From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Apr 3 09:46:46 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2020 09:46:46 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] =?utf-8?q?ARRL_-_Some_Countries_Per?= =?utf-8?q?mitting_=E2=80=9CSTAYHOME=E2=80=9D-Suffix_Call_Signs_during_COV?= =?utf-8?q?ID-19_Pandemic?= References: <0235f367-2d90-9423-b557-c9addc9e10af.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <0235f367-2d90-9423-b557-c9addc9e10af@bellsouth.net> Some Countries Permitting ?STAYHOME?-Suffix Call Signs during COVID-19 Pandemic 04/02/2020 Some countries around the world are allowing radio amateurs to use special ?STAYHOME? call sign suffixes. For example, listen for 8A1STAYHOME from Indonesia, and A60STAYHOME/# call signs from the United Arab Emirates. In Canada, Michael Shamash, VE2MXU, is using VC2STAYHOM ?to raise awareness for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.? Canada limits call sign suffixes to seven characters. Australia has permitted the Radio Amateur Society of Australia (RASA) to use the special call sign AX2020STAYHOME. At 14 characters, that may set a record for world?s longest call sign. Also look for 9K9STAYHOME from the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society; TC1STAYHOME, the COVID-19 special event call sign from Turkey, and HZ1STAYHOME from the Saudi Amateur Radio Society. http://www.arrl.org/news/some-countries-permitting-stayhome-suffix-call-signs-during-covid-19-pandemic From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Apr 3 09:48:25 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2020 09:48:25 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARRL - Spain Grants Unlicensed Individuals Permission to Use Amateur Stations During Lockdown References: <4dd58747-d60a-e0d9-dec8-b10267ced3e1.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <4dd58747-d60a-e0d9-dec8-b10267ced3e1@bellsouth.net> /WFWL/ Spain Grants Unlicensed Individuals Permission to Use Amateur Stations During Lockdown 04/02/2020 Spain?s International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society URE has obtained *temporary permission* from the country?s telecommunications regulator for unlicensed people to use amateur stations during the coronavirus lockdown. ?The main objective of the request is to disseminate and promote amateur radio among schoolchildren who must be confined at home,? the announcement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Infrastructure said. ?This activity offers young people the opportunity to gain practical experience in telecommunications technology, promotes education in technological subjects, and is a socially enriching family activity.? The temporary authorization would be in place while the state of alert and mandatory confinement measures are in effect in Spain. Non-licensed individuals could operate an amateur station only under the direct supervision of the licensee, under current amateur radio rules and regulations. http://www.arrl.org/news/spain-grants-unlicensed-individuals-permission-to-use-amateur-stations-during-lockdown From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Apr 6 11:19:56 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2020 11:19:56 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] US Postal Service not accepting mail to some countries... References: Message-ID: /US Postal Service not accepting mail to some countries. My guess is this list will probably expand - Bill W2CQ/ Temporary Service Suspensions The Postal Service^? received notice that various international postal operators can no longer process or deliver mail or services originating from the U.S. due to coronavirus-related service disruptions. These issues affect all international mail services except GXG. As of April 3, 2020, we cannot accept at any Post Office^? facility any items, except GXG, destined for the affected countries listed below. Please do not attempt to send an item addressed to any of these countries. If you do, the item will be returned to you. Returns & Refunds For any returned item bearing a customs form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail returned due to the suspension of service. For all other returned items not bearing a customs declarations form, the Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on an item returned due to the suspension of service, or you may resend the item with the existing postage once service has been restored. If you choose to resend the item later, you must cross out the markings "Mail Service Suspended ? Return to Sender." Unless noted otherwise on International Service Alerts , service suspensions to a particular country do not affect delivery of military and diplomatic mail. * Botswana * Cayman Islands * Chad * Ecuador * Fiji * French Polynesia * Honduras * India * Kuwait * Libya * Madagascar * Maldives * Mongolia * New Caledonia * Panama * Peru * Samoa * Saudi Arabia * South Africa * Bolivia * Sri Lanka * Zimbabwe (https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm#readmore) From bmarx at bellsouth.net Tue Apr 7 09:58:36 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2020 09:58:36 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=9CGet_on_the_Air_o?= =?utf-8?q?n_World_Amateur_Radio_Day=E2=80=9D?= References: Message-ID: ?Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day? Special Event: Saturday, April 18 For Immediate release: https://www.rac.ca/get-on-the-air-on-world-amateur-radio-day-event/ On Saturday, April 18, 2020 (1200Z to 2359Z), Radio Amateurs of Canada is organizing a special on-air event to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. Every year on April 18, Radio Amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of Amateur Radio and to commemorate the formation of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) on April 18, 1925. World Amateur Radio Day is the day when IARU Member-Societies can show our capabilities to the public and promote global friendship among Amateurs worldwide. The theme of World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) is ?Celebrating Amateur Radio?s contribution to Society? and this is especially relevant given the important role Amateur Radio will play as the current global crisis unfolds. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, provided the following message: ?As I write this the world is in the midst of battling the COVID-19 crisis. A few short weeks ago many of us could not imagine the levels of isolation that we are now dealing with and the sacrifices of many on the frontlines of the pandemic. As we have done in past challenges to our society, Amateur Radio will play a key part in keeping people connected and assisting those who need support. Having come off my own 14-day isolation after returning from an overseas trip, I am touched by the kindness of strangers who assisted me when I was unable to leave my house. It strikes me Amateur Radio operators, who give so much during these times of crisis, are not limited to assisting over the air. Amateurs are true volunteers and I would encourage everyone to assist in the community as they are able to. My wish for this World Amateur Radio Day is for everyone to stay safe, follow the advice of medical professionals and use Amateur Radio and your skills to help us through this crisis.? Radio Amateurs of Canada has decided to hold a new ?Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day? special event in which we encourage as many Amateurs as possible to get on the air and contact as many RAC stations as possible. ??? RAC official stations will operate across Canada from 1200Z to 2359Z on April 18. The RAC official station call signs are VA2RAC, VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC, VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, VO2RAC, VY0RAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC. ??? Those contacting one or more of these stations will be eligible for a special commemorative certificate noting their participation in RAC?s Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day Event. Note: Starting at 1800Z, VA3RAC will be active in the Ontario QSO Party and will be sending the contest exchange. Stations contacting VA3RAC after 1800Z are encouraged to send their contest exchange in return (state/province/country or Ontario county). For more information on World Amateur Radio Day and the special event please visit: https://www.rac.ca/operating/world-amateur-radio-day-april-18/ Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA President, Radio Amateurs of Canada From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Apr 8 10:29:04 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 10:29:04 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Please join the global amateur radio network as you STAY HOME References: <71be59e3-0113-a2a1-cb60-fb0b1bad9955.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <71be59e3-0113-a2a1-cb60-fb0b1bad9955@bellsouth.net> Please join the global amateur radio network as you STAY HOME https://www.sral.fi/2020/04/07/finland-stay-home/ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Apr 8 17:09:54 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 17:09:54 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] EXCITING NEW FQP ANNOUNCEMENTS! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Fabulous FQP Fortune-Seekers, We have several very exciting announcements for more FQP fun! // /Do you want to Multi-Op with your buddies even with social distancing?/*NO PROBLEM!* /Wanna chase more than just a LOVEBUG?/***NO PROBLEM!* And, we?ve got a Top Secret Project in the works to QRO the Fun- pse QRX. Please see below, and get ready for THE Party! /2020 FQP - So Bright, you gotta wear Shades! / ? Vy 73/OJ, Chris, NX4N FQP FIST of FURY *---------------------------------* *ANNOUNCEMENT # 1 ? 2019 FQP Write Up and Results Released!* The 2019 FQP final Write Up article is now available!? You can find the article and full results and line scores at: floridaqsoparty.org/results This Write Up is a /terrific/ read with much in-depth analyses, great photos, fun stories and much more.? Huge thanks to Dan K1TO and Chris W4WF for an outstanding summary. ** *ANNOUNCEMENT # 2 (More Multi-op FQP Flexibility!):* *The FQP****will temporarily allow for **_distributed multi-ops_**?within the same ?QTH? (County or State/ Province or DXCC) in the 2020 FQP.??You may use the same call sign from multiple stations within the same ?QTH? if there is not a simultaneous transmission on the same band/mode. *** *For example, you can host 20 SSB and 40 SSB at different stations (with the same call sign) at the same time (or even 20 SSB and 20 CW) and enter Multi-Multi.??Just don?t have two stations on any band/mode at the same time.? (For example, don?t have two stations on 20 SSB at the same time.) * *For Multi-Single, you can trade off and operate 20 SSB for one hour at one station and switch 20 CW to another station the next hour.*** ****Please combine the logs into one Cabrillo file before submitting a single file per call sign (QSOs do not need to be in chronological order).* */FL HAMS/**/? This change is especially (but not solely) for you!/* */Now FL CLUBS and informal groups with ops in the _same_ County can form a Muli-Op operation using a single callsign and hit the airwaves from their homes; should be great fun! /* */_Be sure_/**/to register your Fixed Club or Group Callsign, mode(s) and County operation using our County Activation forms at:/* /Direct Links:/ /Saturday Registration Form: /https://floridaqsoparty.org/counties/saturday-route/// /Sunday Registration Form: /https://floridaqsoparty.org/counties/sunday-route/// *//* */_NON-FL HAMS_/**/can Multi-Op too using ops in their same State/Province (US/VE) or DXCC!/* *//* */*** PLEASE have all your operators read this year?s distributed Multi-Op rules, and if you have any questions please contact Chris, NX4N at /**/cqdenx4n at gmail.com/* *//* *//* *ANNOUNCEMENT # 3 (GO BUG ?EM!) :* We?ve _added_ a Letter to our 2020 FQP Spelling Bee! *You will now be chasing LOVEBUG_S_* A list of our LOVEBUGS stations and hosts are listed below. 23rd Anniversary Special Event Award- 2020 FQP Spelling Bee! We will have a total of 8 special 1x1 stations below whose suffixes spell *LOVEBUGS**. *Contact all 8 of these 1x1 stations to earn this award.? These stations will be on both modes full-time and should be very accessible. QSL these 1x1 calls active in FQP via KU9C direct or via bureau. The call signs and hosts are: *_CALL ??????????? HOST ??????????? CTY_* *N4**L**??????????? N4OX ??????????? ESC* *N4**O**WO4O??????????? LAK* *N4**V**??????????? NF4A? ??????????? BAY* *N4**E**??????????? N1TO ??????????? IDR* *N4**B**??????????? N4BP ??????????? BRO* *N4**U**??????????? N4UU ??????????? ALC* *N4**G**??????????? K5KG ??????????? SAR* *N4**S**??????????? N6AR ??????????? ORA* From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Apr 8 17:15:06 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 17:15:06 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] New TQSL Version 2.5.2 Provides Better LoTW Rover Support, Other Improvements In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <9fb28791-7204-2089-e73e-e4402d391a52@bellsouth.net> New TQSL Version 2.5.2 Provides Better LoTW Rover Support, Other Improvements 04/07/2020 image.png The latest version of /TrustedQSL/ (/TQSL/), version 2.5.2, offers improved Logbook of The World (*LoTW* ) support for operations from several locations, as well as the ability to detect uploads that contain incorrect location data. The primary new feature in /TQSL/ 2.5.2 allows logging programs, in conjunction with /TQSL/, to avoid incorrect contact uploads, while adding mechanisms to allow easy uploading of logs for roving stations. LoTW had required rovers to identify each location used as a separate location in /TQSL/. The new version of /TQSL/ allows these operations to be handled much more smoothly by using information from the station?s logging program. When a log is signed by /TQSL/, the station details ? call Sign, DXCC entity, grid square, and other location details provided by the selected station location (and call sign certificate) ? are compared with the details in the log. If the US state and station location in a log do not agree, /TQSL/ 2.5.2 will reject the contact, detecting errors in instances when an incorrect station location has been chosen. This feature will necessitate changes in many logging programs, because it requires that the log provide station details previously not used by /TQSL/. Once a logging program supplies these (MY_STATE, MY_DXCC, MY_CQ_ZONE, etc.), then /TQSL/ will validate them against the log. Currently, Cabrillo logs use the CALLSIGN field to verify that the contacts are for the correct call sign. Optionally, a station performing roaming operations (e.g., from multiple grid squares) can choose to have /TQSL/ assume that the log is correct. When call sign or home station are provided with the log, /TQSL/ will automatically update the details on the upload. Select ?Override Station Location with QTH Details from your Log? on the ?Log Handling? preference page to enable this feature. This release also includes an update to the most recent /TQSL/ configuration file. /? Thanks to Rick Murphy, K1MU/ http://www.arrl.org/news/new-tqsl-version-2-5-2-provides-better-lotw-rover-support-other-improvements From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Apr 10 10:12:27 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:12:27 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLX007 Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test Postponed In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX007 ARLX007 Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test Postponed ZCZC AX07 QST de W1AW Special Bulletin 7? ARLX007 >From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT? April 9, 2020 To all radio amateurs SB SPCL ARL ARLX007 ARLX007 Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test Postponed Due to the ongoing COVID-19 response and mitigation actions, the 2020 Armed Forces Day (AFD) Crossband Test scheduled for Saturday, May 9, has been postponed. Because it's uncertain just when stay-at-home orders will be lifted across the US, AFD planners chose to postpone this year's event, because the government stations that typically support this event may not be available. Armed Forces Day Crossband Test planners are considering scheduling a November event in honor of Veteran's Day, depending on COVID-19 mitigation actions. During the AFD Crossband Test, military stations in various locations transmit on selected military frequencies and announce the specific ham frequencies they are monitoring to work radio amateurs. NNNN /EX From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Apr 13 11:44:49 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:44:49 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] New Volunteer Monitor Program is Up and Running References: <7a04927b-fb74-0286-6d71-723014cf0ec7.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <7a04927b-fb74-0286-6d71-723014cf0ec7@bellsouth.net> New Volunteer Monitor Program is Up and Running 04/10/2020 After kicking off on January 1, the new *Volunteer Monitor Program* has ramped up to operational status. A ?soft rollout? of the program began on February1, designed to familiarize Volunteer Monitors (VMs) with issues on the bands and to put into practice what to report ? and what to ignore, based on their training. The VMs not only will be looking for operating discrepancies, but for examples of good operating. The VM program has, at least for the moment, put Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, back in the center of amateur radio enforcement as the Volunteer Monitor Coordinator (VMC). He was brought aboard to get the program up and running, and ARRL will eventually take over the VMC function. Hollingsworth is using a system called /VMTRAC/ ? developed by a VM ? to measure the work of VMs and determine instances that qualify for good operator or discrepancy notices, referral to the FCC, or follow-up with FCC requests to the VM program. Hollingsworth reported that during March, the 165 active VMs logged upward of 2,300 hours of monitoring on HF, and nearly 2,000 hours on VHF-UHF and other frequencies. ?I am extremely pleased with the number of hours devoted to monitoring this early in the program,? Hollingsworth said. No stone is being left unturned. Two VMs constantly monitor FT8 watering holes and have developed programs that alert them if a licensee is operating outside of privileges accorded to that license class or if a license has expired. ?That has occurred in a half dozen cases so far,? he said. ?We have 30 open cases, five of which are good operator cases,? Hollingsworth said. ?Regarding open cases relating to rule violations, none have yet had to be referred to the FCC.? He said he?s experimented with letters, telephone calls, or emails to the subjects of discrepancy reports where they could be identified. While he?s still waiting for replies to his written correspondence, he has received responses to his calls and emails, and the violations have either stopped or were explained. ?They were violations such as expired licenses, Technicians operating on General frequencies, unauthorized use of a call sign, and deliberate interference,? he said. One case ?being groomed for FCC referral,? he said, involves long-standing interference to a repeater in the Philadelphia area by someone using an unauthorized call sign. Hollingsworth said he worked with net control operators of nets on 75 and 40 meters that had been suffering serious interference, and so far the solutions are working. ?It is becoming apparent that if informal contact can be made by the VMC with a known offender, the problem can sometimes be stopped,? Hollingsworth said. ?If this continues to work, it will minimize FCC referral and make those we do refer more worthy of FCC resources and more severe action. We do not want to call upon the FCC unless absolutely necessary, but when we do, the subjects should understand that FCC action will be expedited. I think our own enforcement outreach may resolve all but our very worst cases. At the present time, we have only one in which we do not have a suspicion as to who is causing the problem.? http://www.arrl.org/news/new-volunteer-monitor-program-is-up-and-running From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Apr 13 11:56:00 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:56:00 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Hamvention QSO Party Set for Saturday, May 16 References: Message-ID: Hamvention QSO Party Set for Saturday, May 16 04/09/2020 The *Hamvention QSO Party* , a sort of virtual Dayton Hamvention?, will take place on the HF bands on May 16, which would be the Saturday of the now-canceled event. ?Let?s celebrate the many years we have all had at the Great Gathering we call Hamvention,? said an announcement over the signatures of Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Michael Kalter, W8CI. ?We also want to remember Ron Moorefield, W8ILC, who never missed a Hamvention and contributed to our club until his recent death. Let?s light up the airwaves with our remembrances of Hamventions of the past! See you on the air!? The Hamvention QSO Party will be a 12-hour event, 1200 UTC until 2400 UTC on May 16. Operate CW or SSB on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters, exchanging signal report and the first year you attended Hamvention. If you have never attended Hamvention, send ?2020.? Designated members of Hamvention?s host, the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA), will activate DARA?s W8BI. Participants can add 10 points for each band/mode contact with W8BI (12 available). Post scores (number of contacts) to *3830scores.com* within 5 days of the event. An online certificate will be available to print. No logs will be collected. */N1MM Logger+ /* has provided a User Defined Contest module for the event. More information is on the N1MM Logger+ website. http://www.arrl.org/news/hamvention-qso-party-set-for-saturday-may-16 From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Apr 17 08:26:39 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 08:26:39 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Greater LoTW Database Accuracy is the Goal of TQSL Update(s) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <363c163e-00e6-68e8-3bd6-c88b6e2754f4@bellsouth.net> Greater LoTW Database Accuracy is the Goal of TQSL Update(s) 04/16/2020 image.png The recently released /TQSL/?version 2.5.2 application for uploading logs to Logbook of The World (*LoTW* ) tightens requirements for data consistency, with the goal of improving the integrity of the LoTW database. Starting with /TQSL/?version 2.5.2, discrepancies in submitted logs now are flagged, especially when it comes to the Amateur Data Interchange Format (*ADIF* ) files frequently uploaded to LoTW. This has prompted questions and concerns, however, when the system fails to accept a user?s uploaded contact or log. ADIF exists precisely to help ensure the accuracy of ?data interchange? among amateur radio applications ? different logging programs, for example. /TQSL/?uses ADIF file data for cross-checks that help to keep inaccurate or incomplete information from contaminating the LoTW database, and that?s where some user issues have arisen. For example, the OPERATOR field, which should be a call sign, sometimes shows up as a name. Occasionally, operators have reversed their ITU and CQ zones. Another issue is in the MY_STATE field, which should show a US Postal Service two-letter state abbreviation. Anything else is a problem. ?The value of the checks added to /TQSL/?is that it lets operators know when the data they?re handling in their computer-based logs is correct,? said TQSL Developer Rick Murphy, K1MU. ?Just as most hams would not knowingly send out a QSL card with the wrong details, it?s important to make sure that when a ham submits a log to LoTW that the content of that log accurately captures the details. It also prevents operators from uploading logs that contain incorrect information.? Some help is on the way. Murphy soon will release /TQSL/?version 2.5.3, which, among other things, skips over the OPERATOR field check. ?We have found that some of the checking performed for TQSL 2.5.2 was incomplete in some cases ? for example, allowing incorrect zone information to pass, and overly strict in other cases ? for example, the STATION_OWNER tag,? Murphy said. ?We?ve taken feedback from users and made great strides in improving the way logs are checked to ensure that checking is more complete while not raising false alarms.? The problem is not always with the user. The initial implementation of cross-checks in /TQSL/?2.5.2 revealed that not all logging applications conform to the ADIF standard, which is maintained and voted on by the 22-member ADIF group, which includes ARRL. /TQSL/?2.5.2 has offered support for operations from several locations, as well as the ability to detect uploads that contain incorrect location data, and the field used for checking location has been in the ADIF standard since 2004. Some commenters have suggested that ARRL has not defined the ADIF fields appropriately, but this represents a misunderstanding of how the ADIF standard is developed and maintained. Logging applications are obliged to follow the standard, if they generate files that claim to be ADIF compatible. ?Operators have a right to insist that the logging applications they use conform to the standards agreed upon by the ADIF collective,? said Greg Widin, K0GW, the chair of the ARRL LoTW Committee. ?Those who find that their logger is out of conformance should demand an update, or, if the logger is unsupported or the developer is unwilling to update, should investigate switching to an application that is a cooperative member of the universe of amateur radio logging applications.? http://www.arrl.org/news/greater-lotw-database-accuracy-is-the-goal-of-tqsl-update-s From bmarx at bellsouth.net Sat Apr 18 09:14:35 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2020 09:14:35 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] =?utf-8?q?World_Amateur_Radio_Day_?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=93_April_18_2020?= References: Message-ID: The DXZone - Ham Radio Guide The DXZone World Amateur Radio Day ? April 18 2020 Celebrating Amateur Radio?s Contribution to Society Every April 18, radio amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. It was on this day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris. Amateur Radio experimenters were the first to discover that the short wave spectrum???far from being a?wasteland???could support worldwide propagation. In the rush to use these shorter wavelengths, Amateur Radio was ?in grave danger of being pushed aside,? the IARU?s history has noted. Amateur Radio pioneers met in Paris in 1925 and created the IARU to support Amateur Radio worldwide. Just two years later, at the International Radiotelegraph Conference, Amateur Radio gained the allocations still recognized today???160, 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters.?Since its founding, the IARU has worked tirelessly to defend and expand the frequency allocations for Amateur Radio. Thanks to the support of enlightened administrations in every part of the globe, radio amateurs are now able to experiment and communicate in frequency bands strategically located throughout the radio spectrum.?From the 25 countries that formed the IARU in 1925, the IARU has grown to include 160 member-societies in three regions. IARU Region 1?includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Northern Asia. Region 2?covers the Americas, and Region 3?is comprised of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific island nations, and most of Asia. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recognized the IARU as representing the interests of Amateur Radio. Today, Amateur Radio is more popular than ever, with more than 3,000,000 licensed operators! World Amateur Radio Day is the day when IARU Member-Societies can show our capabilities to the public and enjoy global friendship with other Amateurs worldwide. We have provided a?poster for World Amateur Radio Day.?Any club may download it and use it to promote WARD in their area.?The poster comes in two sizes: 61cm x?91cm ?and a small (A4) flyer. Groups should promote their WARD activity on social media by using the hash tag #WorldAmateurRadioDay ?on Twitter and Facebook. IARU will list all WARD activities on this page. To have your WARD activity listed, send an email to IARU Secretary ?David Sumner, K1ZZ*.* April 18 is the day for all of Amateur Radio to celebrate and tell the world about the science we can help teach, the community service we can provide and the fun we have. We hope you will join in the fun and education that is World Amateur Radio Day! The theme for 2020 is ?Celebrating Amateur Radio?s Contribution to Society.? * *Brazil: *LABRE Roraima, PV8AA, will sponsor various activities and satellite operations with participation by Scouts, including young Venezuelan refugees. * Radio Amateurs of *Canada *has decided to hold a?new *?Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day?* special event in which we encourage as many Amateurs as possible to get on the air and contact as many RAC stations as possible. For more information please visit https://www.rac.ca/operating/world-amateur-radio-day-april-18/ * *Denmark:*?Operators in Denmark will be permitted to use the call signs 5P0WARD ?and 5P0WHD on April 18. Single operators will be assigned a?special suffix extension (00 to 99) to distinguish individual stations, e.g., 5P0WARD/36 or 5P0WHD/7. Speciel?Awards will be available for contacts with stations on all modes and bands.?Read more on the qrz.com * *Luxembourg: *The special call sign LX5WARD will be in use from 6?to 26 April 2020 by members of Radioamateurs du Luxembourg ( R.L.), a?Founding Member of the IARU. A?special QSL card will be issued via the LX IARU QSL Bureau. There is no need to send a?card. www.rlx.lu * The Echolink?World?Conference and irlp 9251 is going to help celebrate World Amateur Radio Day?on Saturday April 18 from 12am to 12 am April 19^th . The special event callsign will be W7W. Hope you are able to check in.???Tom AF7J * VOIP/ECHOLINK *DODROPIN* Conference node #355800 16:00???04:00UTC(12 NOON EST-12 MIDNIGHT EST) via VOIP/ECHOLINK *DODROPIN* Conference node #355800/ W2JLD, VO1UKZ, MW6SZL, MW8SZL, KI7BR, WD8ODF Net Controllers. A?special event call sign W2W has been secured for this event. All stations from around the world are encouraged to check in. Email questions to: John DeRycke, W2JLD, W2JLD2 at GMAIL.COM https://www.dxzone.com/world-amateur-radio-day-april-18-2020/ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Sun Apr 19 14:05:20 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 14:05:20 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Bill Wheeler, K0DEW SK References: Message-ID: Bill Wheeler was a well known Collins collector and Founder Of The Collins Collectors Association. "CCA". SK Here is a story just written about another event he founded. From The CCA Reflector: While members of this group knew Bill Wheeler, K0DEW, as a founder of the CCA, in his hometown of Lebanon, Mo., he was known as a civic-minded activist with a variety of interests, including Lebanon?s history as a waypoint on Route 66. Here is an article posted today by the Lebanon/Laclede County Route 66 Society under the headline ?Route 66 Visionary Bill Wheeler Dies.? It includes prominent mention of ham radio: Bill Wheeler, whose vision for Route 66 included organizing the first Lebanon Route 66 Festival and the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society, died Friday, April 17, 2020. Wheeler also took the idea of a Route 66 Museum to the Lebanon-Laclede County Library board in 2002. And, as a city councilman, he developed the idea for Boswell Park to take on a Route 66 theme with murals promoting Laclede County?s role on The Mother Road. In a 2001 interview promoting the first Lebanon Route 66 Festival, Wheeler told how he grew up along Route 66 in Pulaski County and still liked to travel the old road just to remember a time gone by. That first festival was on Sept. 8, 2001, but plans began a year earlier. In an interview with The Lebanon Daily Record, Wheeler told how he and some of his fellow amateur-radio operators were planning a special event station where the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would allow them to use a call sign that included Route 66 in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the historic road: As the wheels began to turn for the radio project, the memories of the wheels of cars and trucks that once traveled the ?Mother Road" began to turn as well. That?s when Wheeler and his fellow radio operators decided that Lebanon would be an ideal location to celebrate the anniversary of Route 66 with a one-day festival to remember days gone by and to celebrate the history of the road that joined a nation. ?The FCC was seeing if it would all work in preparation for the celebration of the anniversary,? Wheeler, who is the event coordinator for the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, said. ?We have an active radio club here in town that I am a member of, and we got to talking about setting up a special-event station. Then somebody said, ?Bill, we?ve never had a Route 66 activity of any kind and why don?t you think about it??? Wheeler did think about it and brought the idea of a festival before his advisory committee. ?It just grew from there,? he said. ?We?re still going to have our special events (for the local amateur radio club), which this all started from, plus a lot of other things. We left our roots and expanded.? That first festival included a parade, a ?Route 66 Museum,? book signings by authors of several Route 66 books, an old-time ballgame and a sock hop with jukebox music. Food included ?coneys? made as they used to be at Vern?s Malt Shop and basket burgers made as they were at the Triangle, two memorable Lebanon dining spots from the Route 66 era. Wheeler served on the Route 66 Society board for many years and also served on the board of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. In 2019, a record 14,722 visitors signed the Lebanon Route 66 museum?s guestbook. Visitors were from 200 Missouri cities, 49 states and 58 countries. Wheeler talked about the founding of the museum in this video that celebrated the library?s 15th anniversary in 2019: http://www.lebanonroute66.com/multimedia/video-celebrates-15th-anniversary-of-library-route-66-museum/video_97c2c26c-d678-11e9-9e2a-7b360c5fafe1.html In 2013, as a Lebanon city councilman, Wheeler proposed the idea of a ?pocket park? devoted to Route 66 within Boswell Park. The park?s features would include three Route 66 murals featuring scenes important to Laclede County?s role along the famous highway. ?We will have visitors from all over the world ? not just from the state of Missouri, but literally all over the United States and the world coming to Lebanon,? he said at the time. ?This is an economic impact for the city of Lebanon and Laclede County.? The park now includes a replica Route 66 ? ?66 Mural Drive? ? a Route 66-themed playground, the three murals, a replica of the fountain at Nelson?s Dream Village and a restored cabin from Camp Joy, one of Lebanon?s first tourist camps. From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Apr 20 12:12:13 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:12:13 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Florida QSO Party is THIS weekend April 25-26 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <19a8cc3d-bce9-208d-67e8-11c89544857c@bellsouth.net> Final Announcement!! Hello Friends, The *2020?Florida QSO Party*is****this weekend****; we sure hope you'll join us. Please check out the 2019 FQP results and much more at our *Web Site:*http://www.floridaqsoparty.org/ *2020 FQP Rules Changes-* *- Mobile and Expedition Categories suspended due to Florida stay-at-home mandate* *- Club Competition revised* *- Multi-operator entries may be _distributed_ within a QTH (FL County, State/Province, DXCC) due to stay-at-home mandates worldwide.*** *?Please see Rules page at *http://www.floridaqsoparty.org/ *for details. There are also some examples of distributed multi-ops at the bottom of our Home Page.* *The Florida QSO Party* Object: Everyone works Florida, Florida works Everyone Activate and work ALL Florida counties Have as much FUN as possible! When: *April 25 & 26, 2020* Two ten hour operating periods, with a ten hour break: Saturday, April 25 1600Z (Noon EDT) - 0159Z (9:59 PM EDT) Sunday, April 26 1200Z (8 AM EDT) - 2159Z (5:59 PM EDT) 20 Hours total Exchange: RST and County (Florida stations) RST and QTH (State, Province or Country for non-FL) Where: 10, 15, 20 and 40 Meters *SUGGESTED OPERATING FREQUENCIES: * CW: ?????7.020-7.045, 14.025-14.055, 21.030-21.050, 28.030-28.050 MHz Phone: 7.185-7.245, 14.240-14.295, 21.320-21.350, and 28.450-28.480 MHz Contacts outside these frequency ranges are still valid; see rules for details. *MOBILE WINDOW: * *SUSPENDED for 2020 FQP*** * *Categories: Single Op, Multi Op, Multi-Multi, Technician and School. Three power levels: QRP, Low, and High Power. Use CW, SSB or both. 23rd Anniversary Special Event Award- 2020 FQP Spelling Bee! We will have a total of 8 special 1x1 stations below whose suffixes spell *LOVEBUGS**. *Contact all 8 of these 1x1 stations to earn this award.? These stations will be on both modes full-time and should be very accessible. QSL these 1x1 calls active in FQP via KU9C direct or via bureau. The call signs and hosts are: *_CALL HOST?? CTY_* *N4L N4OX?? ESC* *N4O WO4O? LAK* *N4V NF4A??? BAY* *N4E N1TO??? IDR* *N4B N4BP??? BRO* *N4U N4UU??? ALC* *N4G K5KG?? SAR* *N4S N6AR??? ORA* Prizes: Beautiful color Certificates for top participants Plaques for top finishing entrants. *Web Site:*http://www.floridaqsoparty.org/ Detailed rules, past results, plaques, county maps and much more! *//* *//* */ACTION REQUIRED!!!/* *_Florida Stations of all types_*?? /please go to the FQP website and register your fixed operations; just click on the ?Counties" link and then the _Activation Forms_ to get started ? thanks!/ /Saturday Registration Form: /https://floridaqsoparty.org/counties/saturday-route/// /Sunday Registration Form: /https://floridaqsoparty.org/counties/sunday-route/// */*PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU REVIEW YOUR ENTRY FOR ACCURACY _BEFORE_ SUBMITTING*/*** Logs in Cabrillo format can be uploaded (*preferred*) at: https://fqp.contesting.com/fqpsubmitlog.php or emailedto logs at floridaqsoparty.org ; Paper logs via US mail to: Florida QSO Party, c/o Ron Harps, K8NZ, 1997 Willow Glen Ln Columbus, OH 43229-1550. Any questions or feedback? Please feel free to reply to my e-mail: cqdenx4n at gmail.com *_We highly encourage_* you to sign up to the FQP email Group fqp at groups.io . Anyone wishing to subscribe to the FQP email reflector may send an email request to George, K5KG at k5kg at k5kg.com . Upon receiving your request to join, George will send you an invitation to subscribe to the reflector.? When you receive the invitation, simply follow the instructions, and sign yourself up. THANK YOU in advance for making the 2020 FQP another terrific event! /2020 FQP - So Bright, you gotta wear Shades! / ? 73, Chris, NX4N, on behalf of: Chris, W4WF and Dan, K1TO ? President and Past President Florida Contest Group, proud sponsors of the FQP since?1998 From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Apr 22 11:43:29 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2020 11:43:29 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] 2020 FQP - EXCITING LATE BREAKING SPECIAL Announcement!!! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <101d3b96-ea74-e038-6705-c2b2290dffc1@bellsouth.net> Hi FQP Mobile Chasers, We have a very exciting announcement to amp up the FQP fun for you! // Do you want to chase?'_*VIRTUAL*_ Mobiles'?in FQP? *NO PROBLEM!*** Please see below, and get ready for THE Party! /2020 FQP - So Bright, you gotta wear Shades! / ? Vy 73/OJ, Chris, NX4N FQP FIST of FURY *---------------------------------* *ANNOUNCEMENT - FAST & FURIOUS FUN!* *To partially fill the gap of our missing?mobiles/expeditions this year,*?we have devised a special 2020 FQP limited *?Virtual?Mobiles? program*?for you to chase 10 ?Virtual?Mobiles? (*VM*'s) around our state. Each of the VM?s will have a unique call and will be staffed in hourly rotations by fixed station control ops in different FL counties. For example: A VM with call K4OJ will be on air as: Hour 1 - K4OJ/HIL Hour 2 ? K4OJ/MTE Hour 3 ? K4OJ/MAO Etc. Another example VM with call NX4N will be on the air as: Hour 1 ? NX4N/ORA Hour 2 ? NX4N/LAK Hour 3 ? NX4N/VOL Etc. And so on for each VM? Each VM will rotate through 7 unique counties throughout the contest. And there will be 10 unique VM?s- that?s 10 unique calls each activating 7 counties (3 calls will be silent each hour).?? They will generally be available on both cw and phone and on multiple bands for each county. These are the VM's you can listen for as they change counties hourly: * *K4KG* * *K4OJ* * *N4AO* * *N4EEB * * *N4KM* * *N4TO* * *NN4FL* * *NX4N* * *W4FCG* * *W4WF* The VM?s were designed with the sole purpose of making a great chase for _you_! You will search and pounce these? stations just like you would regular?mobiles, and their counties will count toward your final score and sweep. */Good Hunting in those fast and furious pileups!/* From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Apr 23 08:59:46 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 08:59:46 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] 2020 FQP Almanac - FL WX & Love Bug Report In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <46ef733e-6d0b-4981-6440-7ebd8c8fc383@bellsouth.net> *Good Morning Florida's Quality Populous (FQP) and Out-Of-State FQP Friends,* *This is your /2020 Florida QSO Party Almanac/ for Fixed stations throughout the Sunshine State and _Beyond_.? Please note that this does not include propagation since Frank K4EJ provides this FB service each Friday or Saturday morning to our FCG crowd (Tnx Frank!).* * * *_First a quick reminder for FL Stations:_* *PLEASE register your Fixed county activations!? The forms can be found at *https://floridaqsoparty.org/counties/ *The submission _deadline_?is 0000z Friday to ensure NO5W and K0RC super-duper county tracking tools will include your operations.* * * * * *Out-Of-State Ops:* *Please see an SPECIAL ADVISORY AFTER THE FL WEATHER REPORT BELOW - a Fun Read!* ** *_FL WX Forecast:_*** *Big Wx Friday; FQP Sat/Sun not too bad, but watch for Scattered Thunderstorms!* City DAY CDX High/Low Precip Wind Humidity JACKSONVILLE SAT PM Thunderstorms 87^? 68^? 40% SW 12 mph 64% 25-Apr SUN AM Showers 80^? 58^? 40% W 13 mph 60% 26-Apr KEY WEST SAT AM Thunderstorms 85^? 80^? 40% S 9 mph 78% 25-Apr SUN AM Thunderstorms 86^? 77^? 40% WSW 11 mph 75% 26-Apr MELBOURNE SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 83^? 71^? 40% SSW 12 mph 79% 25-Apr SUN Scattered Thunderstorms 81^? 65^? 40% WSW 15 mph 72% 26-Apr MIAMI SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 86^? 78^? 40% S 12 mph 76% 25-Apr SUN Scattered Thunderstorms 87^? 73^? 40% SW 13 mph 74% 26-Apr NAPLES SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 86^? 77^? 40% SSW 13 mph 77% 25-Apr SUN AM Thunderstorms 85^? 70^? 50% W 15 mph 73% 26-Apr ORLANDO SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 87^? 72^? 50% SW 10 mph 69% 25-Apr SUN Scattered Thunderstorms 82^? 63^? 40% WSW 14 mph 63% 26-Apr PENSACOLA SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 83^? 62^? 40% SW 13 mph 64% 25-Apr SUN AM Showers 78^? 57^? 40% NW 14 mph 50% 26-Apr TALLAHASSEE SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 86^? 62^? 50% SSW 11 mph 65% 25-Apr SUN AM Showers 79^? 53^? 40% WNW 10 mph 56% 26-Apr TAMPA SAT Scattered Thunderstorms 85^? 73^? 50% SSW 12 mph 74% 25-Apr SUN Scattered Thunderstorms 80^? 65^? 40% W 14 mph 69% 26-Apr * *FIXED STATIONS: * The FQP Almanac is predicting *CAUTIOUS *conditions for you ? Disconnect those antennas for Friday's Front passing through. For FQP, scattered thunderstorms across nearly all the state means you should be diligent to watch for intermittent rain static and lightning. Most all our ops in the Sunshine State should have fairly decent weather. */Have fun & keep an eye peeled for those infrequent Boomers!!/**//* *//* *ATTN:? OUT-OF-STATE OPS!* *_'LUV' BUGS:_* /*FQP Nature Beat Reporters N4OX, WO4O, NF4A, N1TO, N4BP, N4UU, K5KG AND N6AR*are all reporting _HUGE SWARMS_ of *LOVEBUGS*at their stations all across FLA. / /The LOVEBUGS are reportedly on the move at nearly the speed of light heading beyond our state, starting throughout the Southern US, passing on to New England and the Midwest, racing into Canada and Mexico and pushing?Westward across the US past the Rockies to the Pacific Coast, then quickly spreading World Wide! / /Panic will soon ensue - but your trusty FQP Almanac provides everything you need to be prepared.../ / / /*First, some useful information- */ /Please note that Florida LOVEBUGS are highly intelligent, having mastered both Phoenetic?and CW skills and can even change their wavelengths and callsign lengths.? These adaptive critters are very active both day and night, and even been known to dig themselves out of pileups no matter how deep. / / / /How do you know when you've spotted the real Florida LOVEBUGS?/ /When they pop up they instantly draw a crowd of *crazy, deranged people* who have been bit by this mischievous Bug./ /Sadly, LOVEBUG Madness is _not_ preventable - no vaccine for the fever is effective, although contact with local FL County Bugs does provide some temporary relief.? Unfortunately, the fever always?returns no matter how one ignores it./ / / /The only true?cure is by capturing all of them. _*Yes, ALL*_ - or the fever continues.../ /Dare I say we have BUG-mania on our hands???/ /Oh, there is another addictive bug out there lurking - but the dreaded Vibroplex Bug is beyond the scope of this almanac./ / / /*Out-Of-State Ops - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED:*/ /*Be sure to capture all those LOVEBUGS! */ /* */ /*Who will be first to be cured?*/ *Tnx and Enjoy THE Party!* * * /2020 FQP - So Bright, you gotta wear Shades! / ? *73,* *Chris, NX4N* *FQP Fallible Forecaster * From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Apr 23 09:47:39 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:47:39 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Now this ...is a Key & Paddle Collection from KM4AHP References: Message-ID: - Bill W2CQ(scroll down) ( I love the sideways bug) https://www.qrz.com/db/KM4AHP From bmarx at bellsouth.net Sun Apr 26 09:14:57 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:14:57 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Long-lost U.S. military satellite found by amateur radio operator References: <9a68ef5b-0e12-9f4b-4f37-c25c5b25a96a.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <9a68ef5b-0e12-9f4b-4f37-c25c5b25a96a@bellsouth.net> Long-lost U.S. military satellite found by amateur radio operator National Public Radio (NPR) reports radio amateur *Scott Tilley VE7TIL / VA7LF* has received a signal from a geostationary military satellite that was launched in 1967 The broadcaster says: Recently, Tilley got interested in a communications satellite he thought might still be alive ? or at least among the living dead. LES-5, built by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory, was launched in 1967. Tilley was inspired by another amateur who in 2016 had found LES-1, an earlier satellite built by the same lab. What was intriguing to him about LES-5 was that if it was still working, it might be the oldest functioning satellite still in geostationary orbit. By scouring the Internet, he found a paper describing the radio frequency that LES-5, an experimental military UHF communications satellite, should be operating on ? if it was still alive. So he decided to have a look. Listen to and read the full NPR story https://www.npr.org/2020/04/24/843493304/long-lost-u-s-military-satellite-found-by-amateur-radio-operator From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Apr 29 09:55:39 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:55:39 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Amateur radio VE Day and VJ Day commemorations References: Message-ID: Amateur radio VE Day and VJ Day commemorations To commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, the *RSGB* has organised the VE/VJ Day amateur radio marathon on the HF bands and 6m using SSB, CW and digital modes Three special UK call signs *GB75PEACE*,*GB1945PE*, *GB1945PJ* will be on the air from 1-31 May 2020 and 1-31 August 2020. The special stations have their own QRZ.com pages that give details of the activation schedule. If you wish to participate and transmit using a VE/VJ Day radio marathon call sign, please contact Ian, G0FCT at csc.chairrsgb.org.uk, replacing "" with "@" Full details of radio marathon and the five awards are on our website: https://www.rsgb.org/ve-vj-marathon From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Apr 30 11:49:22 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:49:22 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Herbert Schoenbohm, KV4FZ: Silent Key References: Message-ID: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/herbert-schoenbohm-kv4fz-silent-key.703721/ **--------------------------------** **Subject*:* Topband: Herbert Schoenbohm, KV4FZ: Silent Key **From*:* dan at np2j.com It is with great regret that I have been informed that Herb Schoenbohm KV4FZ has passed away this morning at his home.Herb was 84 years of age. Herb has been a fixture on Topband since the very beginning, having 160 DXCC #2 (I believe) and has been active in all 160 Meter contests over the years setting many records. I personally have been amazed at his stamina in contests, even recently, he would stay up all night CQing long after this 62 year old called it quits...I hope I live as long as Herbie, and be able to put half the rare ones in the log as he did routinely 73 Herb Best wishes to Herbs wife of over 50 years Monica and Sons Tom, Timmy and Eric