The 14th Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) Special Event will take place Saturday, December 1, 2012. SRD is co-sponsored by the ARRL and the National Weather Service (NWS) as a way to recognize the commitment made by Amateur Radio operators in helping to keep their communities safe. According to SRD Coordinator David Floyd, N5DBZ, Amateur Radio operators can visit their local participating NWS office, working as a team to contact other hams across the world throughout the 24-hour event on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 meters, as well as 70 centimeters.
The idea for the first SRD took shape in the summer of 1999. Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Goodland, Kansas NWS office Scott Mentzer, N0QE, tried to find a way to recognize the valuable contributions storm spotters make to the National Weather Service. “Since many of those storm spotters were also hams,” Floyd told the ARRL, “it seemed like a natural fit for the recognition to be centered on Amateur Radio.” With the approval of NWS headquarters and a commitment to participate from many local NWS offices across the country, the first National Weather Service Special Event took place on November 27, 1999.
Floyd said that feedback from that first event was “overwhelmingly positive” from both the NWS staff and the local ham clubs: “Many local club members who came to that first event had never visited an NWS office before. When they came for the special event, they learned the value of their reports and how they were used in conjunction with existing technology.” And so began an annual tradition. The following year, 85 of the 122 NWS offices -- almost 70 percent -- participated in the event, making nearly 24,000 QSOs.
In 2001, the name of the event was changed to SKYWARN Recognition Day, a name Floyd said better relayed what the day was all about: “Each year since the inception of SRD, the number of NWS offices participating with local ham clubs has increased; more than 100 offices sign up each year to take part.” In keeping with the NWS setting, stations are asked to include a weather report of their location in their exchange.
In 2011, the NWS office in Melbourne, Florida -- WX4MLB -- topped the QSO list with 1604 QSOs; the Lincoln, Illinois office (WX9ILX), with 980 QSOs, placed second. The Melbourne office also contacted the most NWS offices, at 81, with the Lincoln office placing second, with 70.
The 2012 SKYWARN Recognition Day will be held on December 1 from 0000 UTC-2400 UTC. In the past, NWS offices have contacted all 50 states and more than 40 countries during the 24 hour event. Even if you make just one QSO to an NWS office, you are eligible to receive a certificate. Submit a list of the station(s) you worked (along with a self-addressed stamped envelope) to SKYWARN Recognition Day, 920 Armory Rd, Goodland, KS 67735. Many NWS offices also send out special QSL cards for this event. If you haven’t yet joined in the fun of SKYWARN Recognition Day, make 2012 your year to do so!
For more information about severe weather reporting and SKYWARN, including a state-by-state listing of SKYWARN websites, check out the ARRL publication Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio (ISBN: 978-0-87259-090-8, ARRL Order No. 0908, retail $22.95 plus shipping) is available from ARRL publications dealers and from the ARRL Online Store (telephone 860-594-0355, or toll-free in the US 888-277-5289; www.arrl.org/shop; pubsales@arrl.org).
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LWRA, Amateur Radio and more!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
N0D - - Special Event Station celebrating The End of the world!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
ARRL Says 'Thank You' to Veterans:
On Sunday, November 11, here in the US and abroad, we will celebrate Veterans
Day, also called Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. Originally a holiday that
marked the end of World War I -- the "War to End All Wars" -- this day has been
set aside to honor all who have served their country. It was on November 11,
1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, that Germany signed
the Armistice, formally ending the hostilities that had been ongoing since
1914.
The ARRL would like to take this opportunity to thank our service veterans. Whether they served on active duty or reserve, during peacetime or time of conflict, they served their county with honor. We also would be remiss if we did not remember the families of those veterans who kept the home fires burning bright; without their love and support, our veterans would have indeed been alone.
ARRL Headquarters has its share of service veterans: Assistant VEC Manager Perry Green, WY1O (Army); Technical Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR (Army); News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA (Coast Guard); Instruction and Resource Coordinator Nathan McCray, K9CPO (Navy); DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L (Army); Reprints Specialist Tony Nesta, AA1RZ (Navy); Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N (Navy); Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA (Army); Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG (Air Force), and Education & Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME (Air Force).
Thank you for your service -- your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your fellow service members is not forgotten.
The ARRL would like to take this opportunity to thank our service veterans. Whether they served on active duty or reserve, during peacetime or time of conflict, they served their county with honor. We also would be remiss if we did not remember the families of those veterans who kept the home fires burning bright; without their love and support, our veterans would have indeed been alone.
ARRL Headquarters has its share of service veterans: Assistant VEC Manager Perry Green, WY1O (Army); Technical Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR (Army); News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA (Coast Guard); Instruction and Resource Coordinator Nathan McCray, K9CPO (Navy); DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L (Army); Reprints Specialist Tony Nesta, AA1RZ (Navy); Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N (Navy); Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA (Army); Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG (Air Force), and Education & Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME (Air Force).
Thank you for your service -- your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your fellow service members is not forgotten.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Lakeland ARC Picnic
Coming up Sept 29th in Lakeland: http://lakelandarc.blogspot.com/2012/09/picnic-on-29th.html
Friday, August 31, 2012
New Rigs coming soon
Click on the pics to enlarge
First up, Icom has a new rig on the way, I stubbled across this image on another site and my first thought was "neat". I do like the layout of the remote head.
TX: 10-160 m + WARC / 6 m / 2 m / 70 cm (and 70 MHz in Europe)
RX: 0.03-200 / 400-470 MHz
While I am not a big D-star fan, this rig also includes D-star as well.
No price as of now , 8/30/2012.
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Next we have the new Yaesu FTM-400D.
No specs other than, Dual band, dual recieve and APRS.
No price as of now , 8/30/2012.
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Next we have a TYT TH-9800.
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Last but not least, the highly anticipated Wouxun KG-UV920R.
This is the first photo of the actual radio I have found.
The saga continues for this rig.....Now going on 2 years to be released....
Thursday, August 23, 2012
FCC Releases Congressionally Mandated Study on Amateur Radio
FCC Releases
Congressionally Mandated Study on Amateur Radio
On August 20 -- in response to a Spring 2012 Congressional directive -- the Federal Communications Commission released its findings on the Uses and Capabilities of Amateur Radio Service Communications in Emergencies and Disaster Relief: Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 6414 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
This report contains the FCC's "review of the importance of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications relating to disasters, severe weather and other threats to lives and property in the United States; and recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of Amateur Radio operators in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and recommendations for improved integration of Amateur Radio operators in the planning and furtherance of initiatives of the federal government." It also required "that the study identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications and provide recommendations regarding the removal of such impediments."
"There are many positive things included in the FCC report to Congress," said ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "We are pleased that the Commission highlighted the existing Amateur Radio infrastructure to provide disaster and time-critical communications. They also recognized the flexibility of the Amateur Service in working with federal, state, local and tribal emergency service agencies to supplement existing communications. The affirmation of the value that Amateur Radio brings to the communities across the country is underscored by the suggestion that 'DHS work with state, local, and tribal authorities so they may develop disaster area access or credentialing policies for trained amateur operators, including a means for documenting their qualifications..."'
While the FCC did hold Amateur Radio in a positive light in its discussion of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications, the FCC report was not as favorable in the portion of the study that addressed impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications. In the comments provided to the FCC as they prepared the study, the ARRL -- as well as numerous individuals -- cited the proliferation of specific land-use restrictions, such as deed restrictions and homeowners associations covenants, that prohibit the erection of even modest Amateur Radio antennas.
The ARRL cited that such restrictions now apply to tens of millions of homes and condominiums. In communities across every state, these restrictions make finding suitable living arrangements that would also allow amateurs to participate effectively in providing support communications nearly impossible to find. The FCC disagreed with that assessment stating "...our review of the record does not indicate that amateur operators are unable to find homes that are not subject to such restrictions. Therefore, at this time, we do not see a compelling reason for the Commission to revisit its previous determinations that preemption should not be expanded to CCRs."
When considering any current rules that serve as impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications, the report did agree with the ARRL's position, stating that "Commission rules that may be an impediment to enhanced Amateur Service emergency communications can, as the ARRL notes, be considered through the Commission's rulemaking process. Consequently, we do not believe that Congressional action is necessary to address any of these issues."
In the report, the FCC recommended that "DHS consult with the public safety, emergency management and Amateur Radio emergency communications associations and groups to identify training opportunities that will support better utilization of Amateur Radio operators for emergency communications, and to solicit views on how Amateur Radio capabilities could be further incorporated into response plans or initiatives. We also recommend that OEC include these recommendations in the NECP."
Henderson noted that it is significant "that the FCC recommends efforts be continued by DHS to facilitate the training and utilization of Amateur Radio across the emergency and disaster response spectrum -- from the public sector through to the various groups and organizations which provide support communications via the Amateur Service, including ARES, RACES, MARS or locally organized support groups. When served agencies and amateur groups plan and train cooperatively, it only enhances our abilities to serve our communities and the public."
With the delivery of the FCC's report to Congress, the ARRL will determine its next step in its efforts to find relief for amateurs who live under unduly restrictive private land-use regulations. "Our review of the FCC report shows that there is a lot to be done if amateurs living in deed-restricted properties are to receive even the limited relief they enjoy under the Commission's PRB-1 ruling or the limited relief given to deed-restricted properties given by the FCC's OTARD ruling," Henderson said. "This means continuing ARRL's efforts on Capitol Hill and continuing to seek a Congressional directive to the Commission to extend those limited preemptions to include prohibition of effective Amateur Radio antennas and support structure that are imposed by private land use restrictions. The FCC report to Congress is not the final action in this fight. It merely lays the groundwork for the next steps to be taken by the ARRL," he concluded.
On August 20 -- in response to a Spring 2012 Congressional directive -- the Federal Communications Commission released its findings on the Uses and Capabilities of Amateur Radio Service Communications in Emergencies and Disaster Relief: Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 6414 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
This report contains the FCC's "review of the importance of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications relating to disasters, severe weather and other threats to lives and property in the United States; and recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of Amateur Radio operators in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and recommendations for improved integration of Amateur Radio operators in the planning and furtherance of initiatives of the federal government." It also required "that the study identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications and provide recommendations regarding the removal of such impediments."
"There are many positive things included in the FCC report to Congress," said ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "We are pleased that the Commission highlighted the existing Amateur Radio infrastructure to provide disaster and time-critical communications. They also recognized the flexibility of the Amateur Service in working with federal, state, local and tribal emergency service agencies to supplement existing communications. The affirmation of the value that Amateur Radio brings to the communities across the country is underscored by the suggestion that 'DHS work with state, local, and tribal authorities so they may develop disaster area access or credentialing policies for trained amateur operators, including a means for documenting their qualifications..."'
While the FCC did hold Amateur Radio in a positive light in its discussion of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications, the FCC report was not as favorable in the portion of the study that addressed impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications. In the comments provided to the FCC as they prepared the study, the ARRL -- as well as numerous individuals -- cited the proliferation of specific land-use restrictions, such as deed restrictions and homeowners associations covenants, that prohibit the erection of even modest Amateur Radio antennas.
The ARRL cited that such restrictions now apply to tens of millions of homes and condominiums. In communities across every state, these restrictions make finding suitable living arrangements that would also allow amateurs to participate effectively in providing support communications nearly impossible to find. The FCC disagreed with that assessment stating "...our review of the record does not indicate that amateur operators are unable to find homes that are not subject to such restrictions. Therefore, at this time, we do not see a compelling reason for the Commission to revisit its previous determinations that preemption should not be expanded to CCRs."
When considering any current rules that serve as impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications, the report did agree with the ARRL's position, stating that "Commission rules that may be an impediment to enhanced Amateur Service emergency communications can, as the ARRL notes, be considered through the Commission's rulemaking process. Consequently, we do not believe that Congressional action is necessary to address any of these issues."
In the report, the FCC recommended that "DHS consult with the public safety, emergency management and Amateur Radio emergency communications associations and groups to identify training opportunities that will support better utilization of Amateur Radio operators for emergency communications, and to solicit views on how Amateur Radio capabilities could be further incorporated into response plans or initiatives. We also recommend that OEC include these recommendations in the NECP."
Henderson noted that it is significant "that the FCC recommends efforts be continued by DHS to facilitate the training and utilization of Amateur Radio across the emergency and disaster response spectrum -- from the public sector through to the various groups and organizations which provide support communications via the Amateur Service, including ARES, RACES, MARS or locally organized support groups. When served agencies and amateur groups plan and train cooperatively, it only enhances our abilities to serve our communities and the public."
With the delivery of the FCC's report to Congress, the ARRL will determine its next step in its efforts to find relief for amateurs who live under unduly restrictive private land-use regulations. "Our review of the FCC report shows that there is a lot to be done if amateurs living in deed-restricted properties are to receive even the limited relief they enjoy under the Commission's PRB-1 ruling or the limited relief given to deed-restricted properties given by the FCC's OTARD ruling," Henderson said. "This means continuing ARRL's efforts on Capitol Hill and continuing to seek a Congressional directive to the Commission to extend those limited preemptions to include prohibition of effective Amateur Radio antennas and support structure that are imposed by private land use restrictions. The FCC report to Congress is not the final action in this fight. It merely lays the groundwork for the next steps to be taken by the ARRL," he concluded.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
LWRA Traders Net Sets NEW RECORD
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
New Ham Does LWRA Net
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Special Bulletin From ARRL Headquarters
The
Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are
co-sponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio Crossband
Communications Test in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of Armed
Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated
on the third Saturday in May -- May 19 in 2012 -- the AFD
Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be conducted on
May 12 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention, scheduled for
May 18-20.
The annual celebration features traditional military-to-amateur
crossband communications SSB voice and Morse code tests. These tests
give Amateur Radio operators and short wave listeners an opportunity
to demonstrate their individual technical skills and to receive
recognition from the appropriate military radio station for their
proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations
making contact with the military stations.
Military-to-amateur crossband operations will take place on the
dates and time in UTC on the frequencies listed for each station.
Voice contacts will include operations in single sideband voice
(SSB). Some stations, depending on propagation and staffing, may not
operate the entire period. Participating military stations will
transmit on selected military MARS frequencies and listen for
Amateur Radio stations in the amateur bands. The military station
operator will announce the specific amateur band frequency being
monitored. Duration of each voice contact should be limited to 1-2
minutes.
The schedules and frequencies of participating military stations can
be found in PDF format on the web at,
http://www.netcom.army.mil/MARS/docs/AMC_Test_2012.pdf.
co-sponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio Crossband
Communications Test in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of Armed
Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated
on the third Saturday in May -- May 19 in 2012 -- the AFD
Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be conducted on
May 12 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention, scheduled for
May 18-20.
The annual celebration features traditional military-to-amateur
crossband communications SSB voice and Morse code tests. These tests
give Amateur Radio operators and short wave listeners an opportunity
to demonstrate their individual technical skills and to receive
recognition from the appropriate military radio station for their
proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations
making contact with the military stations.
Military-to-amateur crossband operations will take place on the
dates and time in UTC on the frequencies listed for each station.
Voice contacts will include operations in single sideband voice
(SSB). Some stations, depending on propagation and staffing, may not
operate the entire period. Participating military stations will
transmit on selected military MARS frequencies and listen for
Amateur Radio stations in the amateur bands. The military station
operator will announce the specific amateur band frequency being
monitored. Duration of each voice contact should be limited to 1-2
minutes.
The schedules and frequencies of participating military stations can
be found in PDF format on the web at,
http://www.netcom.army.mil/MARS/docs/AMC_Test_2012.pdf.
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