The ARRL Letter for September 4, 2025 undefined

 

 

 

The ARRL Letter

 

, Editor | September 4, 2025

 

In this Issue:

 

National Preparedness Month: 12 Ways to Prepare

September is , and ARRL is working to arm members with knowledge and resources to be resilient in the face of disaster. Amateur radio serves as a powerful tool and national resource before and ®, but being prepared goes beyond radio. “Being ready to serve your community through ham radio begins with being ready yourself,” says ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. Johnston spent 17 years as a county emergency manager before coming to lead programs such as the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®). “Having a plan and preparing yourself will improve your chances of being resilient in the face of disaster.”

 

ARES works closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has shared this checklist of [PDF]:

 

 

  • Sign up for alerts and warnings
  • Make a plan
  • Save for a rainy day
  • Practice emergency drills
  • Test family communication plan
  • Safeguard documents
  • Plan with neighbors
  • Make your home safer
  • Know evacuation routes
  • Assemble or update supplies
  • Get involved in your community
  • Document and insure property

You can find more information and resources at and at .

 

Northeast HamXposition Draws Crowds

By ARRL New England Division Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI

 

The Northeast HamXposition (“HamX”) — hosting the ARRL New England Division Convention — held on August 21 - 24, 2025, was a resounding success. The weather for the Marlborough, Massachusetts event was picture-perfect, the flea market was buzzing with sales, and major equipment manufacturers were back, along with other vendors inside the bustling exhibition area.

 

According to HamX Program Chair Skip Youngberg, K1NKR,“This year’s four-day program featured 72 presenters who gave 82 talks and four workshops spanning over 101 hours.”

 

Topics included everything from antennas and EmComm vans and trailers on display, to on-air activities such as POTA, contesting, and DX. There was even a special technical talk entitled “Demystifying Quantum Computing: Application of RF Control System.”

 

HamXposition kicked off on Thursday night, featuring nationally-known comedian Juston McKinney. On Friday, full-length educational seminars were held, including the ever-popular mini-Contest University. Twenty convention-goers went on a bus tour of W1AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, and ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut.

 

The Friday evening DX/Contest banquet talk was presented by well-known multi-multi station owner Tim Duffy, K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering.

 

On Saturday morning, popular QRP YouTube podcaster and influencer Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, gave an inspirational convention keynote address to a standing-room-only crowd.

 

The Saturday Grand Banquet featured Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, from the University of Scranton. Frissell is the founder of Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI). He shared with the audience descriptions of cutting-edge experiments conducted by ordinary radio amateurs who are helping to advance the knowledge of propagation and the Earth’s ionosphere.

 

Dozens of youth members of New England Sci-Tech, a nearby STEM/makerspace, attended throughout the weekend and at the two evening banquets. “Having young hams in the middle of the action… and running a number of presentations demonstrated the spirit of the future leaders in our hobby,” said Volunteer Chair Barbara Irby, KC1KGS.

 

HamX also featured kit-building sessions led by Bob Phinney, K5TEC, and other volunteers. Under supervision, beginners were invited to build easy kits for a nominal cost in under an hour, ranging from Morse code oscillators to blinking name badges and night lights. All tools were provided. The kits were developed by students from New England Sci-Tech.

 

See more of this story on the .

 

A crowd gathered for the ARRL Forum at HamXposition

 

HamX keynote speaker Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL; Boston ARC members and POTA enthusiasts Brendan Baldonado, NW1S; Tom Ulrich, KC1OCY; and Brendan’s child, Seamus.

 

A group from HamXposition toured ARRL Headquarters and W1AW.

 

Dr. Duino

 

Ham YouTubers Boost ARRL Teachers Institute

The is getting a boost, courtesy of the ham radio community on YouTube. A group of the content creators gathered for a cookout at this year’s Huntsville Hamfest and raised $6425 for the program. “We have a tremendous amount of support from the YouTubers,” said ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA. “They’re on track to raise and donate $50,000 for TI this year.”

 

The support flows through the , which makes the program possible.

 

A tweet from Kyle Kreig, AAØZ, announced the gift.

 

 

 

ARRL Lab Helps Radio Amateurs Avoid Interfering With US Space Force Radar

US Space Command headquarters is being moved to Huntsville, Alabama, known as “Rocket City USA.” The move was announced in a press conference on September 2, 2025. Huntsville will host the 2026 ARRL National Convention as part of the Huntsville Hamfest, but there’s a bigger connection between US Space Command and amateur radio.

 

Space Command utilizes forces such as the US Space Force to accomplish its command mission. The ARRL Lab supports the US Space Force’s Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) early warning radar installations which scan the skies for incoming missiles and space junk.

 

Since 2007, the ARRL Lab has been conducting this crucial analysis using Longley-Rice terrain modeling to determine if an amateur fixed station, repeater, or EME station is eligible for a waiver to be granted by the military to run more than the 50 watts of RF power on the 70-centimeter band currently allowed with a 100-mile radius of either the Cape Cod Air Force Station in Massachusetts, or Beale Air Force Base in California. “We want to ensure that amateurs can exercise as many operating privileges as possible, while understanding the need for the Space Force to operate without interference,” said ARRL Lab Manager George Spatta, W1GKS.

 

A screenshot from the program the ARRL Lab uses to perform the terrain analysis

 

The reports provided to the Space Force advise a “cone of protection” in azimuth and elevation at which the amateur would be limited to a power level which would not interfere with the radar.

 

Amateurs are secondary users on the 70-centimeter band and the ARRL Lab’s cooperation with the military helps ensure we do not interfere with this vital function of our nation’s security. As of this writing, the Lab is conducting this analysis for two different waiver requests. “It is an important part of the work we do to serve radio amateurs,” said Spatta.

 

 

New Book Release: ARRL On the Air Yearbooks

— Get active, get involved, and get on the air!

 

Enjoy On the Air magazine with a collection of colorful articles featured in issues from 2020-2021 and 2022-2023. The On the Air Yearbooks cover a range of ham radio interests and topics, delivering introductory techniques and stories that help hams get the most out of their amateur radio license. They cover what to do with a Technician-class license, how to operate on HF, and WSJT-X modes like FT8 and WSPR. They’re also full of practical information about handheld radios, repeaters, satellites, Parks on the Air®, and participating in ARRL Field Day.

 

On the Air Editorial Director Becky R. Schoenfeld, W1BXY, says, “Hams of all license classes tell me they appreciate On the Air’s practical information and straightforward style. I’m excited about these Yearbooks, which collect the first four years of OTA’s explainer and project articles into two volumes that make the material even more accessible than before.”

 

ARRL’s On the Air Yearbooks are now shipping. Order from the ARRL or find an ARRL ; Volume , ARRL Item No. 2264, ISBN: 978-1-62595-226-4, $29.95 retail. Volume , ARRL Item No. 2271, ISBN: 978-1-62595-227-1, $29.95 retail. Get your copies today!

 

For additional questions or ordering, call 1-888-277-5289 toll-free in the US, Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 7 PM and Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. Outside the US, call (860) 594-0200.

 

Team USA Earns Medals at ARDF World Championships in Lithuania

Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV, on medal podium after receiving the silver medal for W55 80m Classic. From left to right: Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV (USA), Jitka Šimáčková (Czech Republic), Renata Čadová (Czech Republic) [Photo courtesy of Charles Scharlau, NZØI]

By Charles E. Scharlau, NZØI, USA ARDF Co-coordinator

 

Team USA brought home both individual and team medals from the 22nd World Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), held August 16 – 22, 2025, in Birštonas, Lithuania.

 

ARDF, also known as radio orienteering, combines radio direction-finding with on-foot map-and-compass navigation. Using a handheld receiver with a directional antenna, a map, and a compass, competitors search for “foxes” (transmitters) in forest terrain, racing to locate them in the shortest time.

 

The USA delegation numbered 19 competitors, who represented the country across multiple age categories. Overall, the championships featured over 300 athletes from 25 nations, a strong showing on the international ARDF stage.

 

The highlight for Team USA came in the classic 80-meter event, in which Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV, of North Carolina, was awarded an individual silver medal in the W55 (women ages 55–64) category. Her strong performance also anchored the USA W55 team, which earned the team bronze medal. The W55 team was rounded out by Maria Burrus and Alla Mezhevaya, who also received team medals. At the world championships, team scoring is based on the two best individual results from a nation’s competitors in each age category; teams may include two to three athletes.

 

Several U.S. athletes competed at a world championship for the first time, including Maria Burrus (W45); Rose Ganim, W1RBG (W45); Andrew Meyer (M21); Matt Craig, KM8WBC (M50), and Roland Woodward, KC9YQT (M50). Except for Burrus and Craig, each was introduced to the sport at the 2024 USA Championships in Michigan — demonstrating rapid progression from novices to international competitors in under a year.

 

Other notable U.S. competitors included Erin Hammer (W35); Natalia Leoni (W45); Ruth Bromer, WB4QZG (W65); Gheorghe Fala (M21); Eduard Nasybulin (M40); Alexander Myachin (M50); Evgeny Danilov, KQ4QYZ (M60); William Wright, WB6CMD (M60); Nicolai Mejevoi (M60); Ian Shields (M70), and Joseph Huberman, K5JGH (M70).

 

For full results of the 22nd ARDF World Championships, see .

 

For more on ARDF and how to get involved, visit the ARRL Radio Orienteering webpage: .

 

USA W55 3rd Place Team from left to right: Alla Mezhevaya, Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV, Maria Burrus [Photo courtesy of Charles Scharlau, NZØI]

 

Amateur Radio in the News

“” / Tehachapi New (California) September 1, 2025 -- The Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

On the Air LIVE

 

Join ARRL's Educaton Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he describes and demonstrates how APRS can be leveraged to keep in contact with family and loved ones who live outside of an area where all grid communications are damaged or destroyed due to a natural or man-made disaster.

 

Up Next:

 

📅 Date: September 23, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

👉 Register Now

 

On the Air

Sponsored by Icom

 

Getting in on the POTA Fun

 

Portable operating in the Parks On the Air (POTA) program is one of the most popular ham radio activities these days. Colin Wheatley, W9UPK, author of the July/August 2025 On the Air article, “POTA Activators and Hunters: The Great Symbiosis,” joins the podcast to explain more about how POTA works, and how to get in on the fun. | | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

 

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. | | Also available on 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...

Special Event Station K6C will operate at the California State Capitol Park on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in celebration of the . All are welcome to visit and participate at the amateur radio station in the Capitol Park Cactus Garden at 15th & N Streets in Sacramento, and to contact the station on the air. There is also a call now for volunteer operators. Please email Bob at if you are interested in joining the volunteer operator team. K6C will operate various modes, including the target phone frequencies of 7.290, 14.290, and 28.390 MHz +/- QRM, from 7 AM to 9 PM Pacific Time (1400-0400 UTC). Contacts count towards Parks On The Air credit. For a special edition QSL card, go to for instructions on how to request your downloadable QSL confirming successful contacts with this special event station.

 

(HWN) Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, reports that HWN is entering the world of podcasting. The first episode of "The HWN REPORT" podcast begins at noon ET September 4, 2025, on . Episode 1 features information about the birth of the HWN and founder Jerry Murphy, K8YUW. The HWN is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, serving the National Hurricane Center and mankind since 1965.

 

 

Announcements

Steve Bossert, K2GOG, has joined ARRL Headquarters staff as the Advertising Sales Manager. His duties include managing advertising across ARRL's print and digital platforms, including magazines, media, and sponsorships. Bossert has been an active ham since 1998 and especially enjoys everything digital, including such modes as FT4, APRS and next-generation packet. He’s been involved in the development of digital amateur communications and is an active member of the ARRL Hudson Division. He recently represented ham radio at the Hackers on Planet Earth (HOPE) conference in Queens, New York.

 

The Swedish Amateur Radio Association (SSA) will celebrate its 100th anniversary September 10 – October 12, 2025. There will be 8 special event stations on the air: SB100SSA, SC100SSA, SD100SSA, SE100SSA, SF100SSA, SM100SSA, 7S100SSA, and 8S100SSA, using bands from 160 to 10 meters and modes including SSB, CW, and digital (FT8, FT4, PSK, RTTY). Each special event station may be worked only once per day on the same band and mode. Contacts may be repeated on the following day. Each contact with a special event station earns 1 point for European stations and 3 points for DX stations (outside Europe). All anniversary stations will use real-time logging at . There will be several awards, including: Points award — minimum of 100 points; “All award” — QSOs with all 8 special event stations on all three modes (24 total); and plaques for highest point score in each continent (minimum 100 points). All awards and eQSL cards can be retrieved electronically from . The Swedish Amateur Radio Association was founded on September 10th, 1925. SSA invites all radio amateur operators around the world to participate in its centennial award activity.

 

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

Membership Services Representative

Technical Editor

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 September 4, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI]

ARRL Solar Report for September 4, 2025

 

Solar activity has continued at low levels this past week. Regions 4197 and 4210 produced the majority of the C-class flares. Region 4199 produced the largest flare, a C6.1, on September 2. Slight decay was observed in Region 4197. New spots emerged in the northern portion of Region 4199. Slight growth occurred in Region 4210. Other activity included an approximately 37-degree filament eruption centered near N18W42 on September 5, observed in SUVI 304 imagery. Initial modelling of the event showed no Earth-directed component.

 

The forecast is for M-class flares (R1-R2/minor-moderate), with a slight chance for an X-class flare (R3-strong or greater), through September 5, primarily due to the flare potential exhibited from AR 4197.

 

The 10.7-centimeter flux: September 4, 195; September 5, 185; September 6, 175; September 7, 160; September 8, 140; September 9, 130; September 10, 125.

 

Solar wind parameters continued to be enhanced under coronal mass ejection (CME) effects. Total field reached a peak of 23 nT on September 2, before gradually decreasing to near 10 nT. The Bz component ranged from +13 to -17 nT. Solar wind speed decreased from approximately 600 km/s to near 490 km/s. Phi angle switched from negative to positive on September 2.

 

A trend towards an ambient-like environment is expected for September 4. An enhanced solar wind regime is anticipated on September 5 and continuing into September 6 due to a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream.

 

Predicted sunspot numbers: September 4, 138; September 5, 131; September 6, 143; September 7, 128; September 9, 150; September 10, 120; September 11, 155.

 

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

  • September 6 -- CWOps CW Open (CW)
  • September 6 - 7 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
  • September 6 - 7 -- IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB (phone)
  • September 6 - 7 -- RSGB SSB Field Day (phone)
  • September 7 - 8 -- Tennessee QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
  • September 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, CW (CW)
  • September 13 - 14 -- (CW, phone, digital)
  • September 13 - 14 -- WAE DX Contest, SSB (phone)
  • September 13 -- Africa FT4 DX Contest (digital)
  • September 14 -- (CW)
  • September 15 -- RSGB FT4 Contest (digital)
  • September 18 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

 

Remember to visit the for more events and information.

 

Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

  • September 7 | , hosting the ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention, Mullica Hill, New Jersey.
  • September 12 - 13 | , hosting the ARRL Louisiana State Convention, Slidell, Louisiana
  • September 19 - 21 | , hosting the ARRL New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • September 20-21 | , hosting the ARRL Central Division Convention, Chillicothe, Illinois
  • September 27 | , Moorhead, Minnesota
  • October 4 | , hosting the ARRL South Carolina Section Convention, Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • October 10 -12 | , hosting the ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California
  • October 10 - 11 | , hosting the ARRL Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
  • October 10 - 11 | , hosting the ARRL Midwest Division Convention, Sedalia, Missouri
  • October 11 | , hosting the ARRL Minnesota State Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
  • October 12 | , hosting the ARRL Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
  • October 23 - 26 | , hosting the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Grand Junction, Colorado
  • November 1 | , hosting the ARRL Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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

 

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