From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Jul 3 10:19:30 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2020 10:19:30 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Prominent Radio Amateur Helping to Lead US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Study References: <851a1666-0483-5597-24ff-b1432f46c900.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <851a1666-0483-5597-24ff-b1432f46c900@bellsouth.net> Prominent Radio Amateur Helping to Lead US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Study 06/30/2020 Well-known contester, DXer, and /National Contest Journal/ (/NCJ/) Editor Scott Wright, K0MD, has been ?substantially? stepping back from ham radio while offering his expertise to the US convalescent plasma *COVID-19 Expanded Access Program* . The study began in early April under the leadership of Dr. Michael Joyner, MD, of the Mayo Clinic; Dr. Peter Marks, MD, PhD and Dr. Nicole Verdun, MD, of the US Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Arturo Casavedall, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, and Wright, who is with the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Marks is AB3XC. ?The US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program is a collaborative project between the US government and the Mayo Clinic to provide access to convalescent plasma for patients in the US who are hospitalized with COVID 19,? Wright told ARRL. The work has been referenced during White House press briefings and in congressional testimony. The US government-supported study collects and provides blood plasma recovered from COVID-19 patients, which contains antibodies that may help fight the disease. The Mayo Clinic is the lead institution for the program. ?My role was to organize the infrastructure and the research approach, and to help lead the set-up of the data collection and of the website teams, while overseeing the study conduct and regulatory compliance,? Wright explained. According to a June 18 /Washington Post/ *article* , ?A large study of 20,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received transfusions of blood plasma from people who recovered found the treatment was safe and suggests giving it to people early in the disease may be beneficial.? An initial *safety report* on 5,000 patients appeared in May in the /Journal of Clinical Investigation/. The *safety study* on 20,000 subjects referenced in the /Washington Post/ article was published earlier this month in the /Mayo Clinic Proceedings./ Wright said most scientific studies of this magnitude take months to a year with planning and execution to get under way. In this case, the study team went from zero to 60 in a few short weeks. ?We started in less than a week. Most studies recruit 2,500 ? 5,000 patients,? Wright said. ?We have recruited over 30,000 patients in 10 weeks, exceeding all expectations.? Hospitals in all 50 states and several US territories are participating, Wright said, and more than 8,000 physician-scientists are working with the team as investigators at their hospitals. ?We also helped manage the start-up of collection of convalescent plasma by the large blood organizations, such as the American Red Cross, by strategically connecting donor pools and people willing to donate with the blood collection centers.? Wright?s study responsibilities, which are on top of his regular day job, have required him to work daily, including weekends, for all of April, most of May, and all of June. ?It has been intense,? he said. Wright said an FDA announcement on the benefit of convalescent plasma was expected soon. ?We are working on a third publication now to submit to a major international medical journal for publication on whether the study has shown that use of convalescent plasma reduces mortality,? Wright added. The FDA has been *inviting donations* of convalescent plasma from individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19. From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Jul 6 19:07:05 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 19:07:05 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARRL - QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers References: <4ef7dddc-c589-f7de-1da9-901f24b51ba5.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <4ef7dddc-c589-f7de-1da9-901f24b51ba5@bellsouth.net> QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers 07/06/2020 The first */QSO Today/Virtual Ham Expo* Saturday and Sunday, August 8 ? 9, has confirmed what it?s calling ?a packed lineup of over 70 great speakers? for the ARRL-sanctioned event. Attendance is free and *registration* is open. Presentations will cover a range of topics, with two tracks focused on providing hands-on, practical advice for those just getting started in amateur radio. Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, will demonstrate basic soldering techniques for repairing equipment and building projects. Marcel Stieber, AI6MS, will offer an overview of common battery types, discussing the pros and cons of each ? including battery chemistry, common uses and misuses, and everyday application tips. For experienced operators, topics will cover new techniques, equipment upgrading, 3D printing, and more. Glenn Johnson, W?GJ, will attempt to answer the question, ?Is 3 dB Worth a Divorce?? and cover a wide range of antenna topics. Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, will explain how to build a QRP radio. In his presentation, ?The Slot Antenna ? Undiscovered Country for Most Hams,? John Portune, W6NBC, will demonstrate how a satellite TV dish can be ?slotted? to make an effective outdoor 2-meter or UHF antenna for use in antenna-restricted neighborhoods. Prominent youth educator Carole Perry, WB2MGP, will moderate a lineup featuring amateur radio?s future leaders. Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, will speak on, ?Getting Girls Involved in STEM, Specifically Amateur Radio!? while hot-air ballooning will be the focus of a talk by Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, ?Highly Flying Kids with HAB.? /QSO Today/?s Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, says that one challenge to any ham radio convention, whether in person or virtual, is keeping the content of presentations from becoming overly complicated and overwhelming. ?For our inaugural virtual Expo, we?ve made sure that there are great speakers for both beginners and experienced hams,? Guth said. ?We?ve asked all of our speakers to be laser focused on their topics while providing hands-on, practical advice.? Each presentation will wrap up with a live question-and-answer session. For more information or to register, visit the */QSO Today/Virtual Ham Expo* website. Attendance is free, and there are early bird prize incentives for registering by July 24. http://www.arrl.org/news/qso-today-virtual-ham-expo-announces-full-lineup-of-speakers From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Jul 8 08:25:02 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 08:25:02 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] "Two miles of Wire in the Air & On the Air" References: Message-ID: *K0UO* */On or In the Air Daily, Rhombic Antenna Farm with "Two miles of Wire in the Air & On the Air"/* Everything you need to know(or care to know) about Rhombics! QRZ page. Rhombic Information starts about half way down. https://www.qrz.com/db/K0UO Or his web site: https://www.k0uo.com/ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Jul 10 07:21:14 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 07:21:14 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Learn from 70+ speakers at the first ever Virtual Ham Expo!! In-Reply-To: <1134524409355.1103600790276.3415.0.191608JL.2002@scheduler.constantcontact.com> References: <1134524409355.1103600790276.3415.0.191608JL.2002@scheduler.constantcontact.com> Message-ID: <6d639a4e-4840-144c-e7d9-da533ffe7878@bellsouth.net> We are reaching out to let you know that despite the closure of all ham radio events, there is a great opportunity to join your fellow hams and us at the *first ever **QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 - 9, 2020.*Attendance is *free* and registration is now open at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/ with early bird prize incentives for registering by July 24, 2020. Built on a live, virtual reality platform used by Fortune 500 companies and major universities, this ARRL-sanctioned hamfest will let you: * Learn from a packed line-up of 70+ world renowned ham radio speakers such as Ward Silver, N0AX, on Grounding and Bonding; Glen Johnson, W0GJ, on DXpeditions, and John Portune, W6NBC, on building slot antennas for HOA. * See demos of the latest ham radio equipment?from the world's top equipment companies.? You can easily ask questions and engage with Exhibitors through video, audio, or chat. (Note: CQ is an Exhibitor!) * Share ideas and network with your fellow ham radio operators throughout the Expo. And if you've never been to a Hamfest or Expo, you can participate from the convenience of your home or office without spending a dime on travel! This platform simulates a full convention experience with an exhibit hall and exhibit booths staffed by live attendants, speaker auditorium, lobby, and lounges. Icom is the Expo's Platinum Sponsor, along with Gold Sponsors GigaParts, RT Systems, FlexRadio, RFinder, DX Engineering, Elecraft, RigExpert, and NCG Company (Comet Antenna). Go to https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/ to learn more - *get registered by July 24th!* *We look forward to having you join us at Expo for an amazing and engaging experience.* From bmarx at bellsouth.net Mon Jul 13 12:27:01 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 12:27:01 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] W4DXCC 2020 Convention Announcement #1 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6e906b24-8837-a2d7-f2d1-4ae0c7340c75@bellsouth.net> W4DXCC 2020 Convention Announcement #1 September 24th and 25th, 2021, Pigeon Forge, TN Hello Friends and Club Officials I want to ask that you pass along this announcement about this years W4DXCC convention onto your club members and friends, thank you in advance. Hello from W4DXCC 16 DX and Contest Convention. I am sorry to report, we have Cancelled the 2020 convention, Please read below. The W4DXCC team has decided that we will postpone the 2020 W4DXCC 16 convention until 2021. How this is going to work. 1. If you made hotel reservations, they will cancelled and the hotel will contact you directly. 2. We have moved the convention dates to September 24th and 25th, 2021 3. You should make new hotel reservations for 2021 4. Any Online reservations placed will be Refunded. This is something beyond our control and want to thank everyone for attempting to attend this year. We look forward to seeing each of you next year. Take care and be safe. Check out the Website and learn about the W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention. Go Here W4DXCC Convention Best 73 See you soon, Dave Anderson, K4SV Convention leader Dave at w4dxcc.com ?2020 W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention | 1271 Red Fox Road, Tryon 28782 From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Jul 16 14:22:32 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:22:32 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Peruvian Radio Amateur helps air ambulance that lost communication In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <01061952-cc3b-1bce-9201-ecd6db55d009@bellsouth.net> Amateur radio to the rescue, again. 73, Tony N2MFT Last July 9, an air ambulance en route from Santiago, Chile, to Easter Island lost communications while they were more than 1,000 nautical miles away from the mainland. The pilot resorted to the frequency of Cadena Peruana de Socorro (the Peruvian Relief Net) in 7,100 kHz to ask for help. Luckily, Guillermo, OA4DTU, and Giancarlo, OA4DSN, were on frequency. Guillermo answered the call and then called Oceanic Air Control in Chile, the official entity in charge, who were already on alert after they lost contact with the air ambulance. The HF radio at Easter Island was not in operation at that time, which complicated the situation. After several phone calls to that entity to let them know about the airplane's position and route, approximately at 0430 UTC, the pilot reported that he had made VHF contact with the tower at Easter Island and he had received descent and landing instructions. This provoked the joy and relief of all those involved in the communications effort. Later, the pilot called Guillermo by phone to thank him for his help and sent him a photo of the air ambulance on the runway while they waited for the patient to be transported to Santiago, Chile. This operation lasted about 3 hours, from the time of first contact until the airplane arrived at the destination, with messages of gratitude being sent by Oceanic Air Control for Guillermoand for Cadena Peruana de Socorro. Once again, the positive role of the radio amateurs in risk or emergency situations is confirmed! Photo oa-plane.jpg Joaquin Solana, XE1R Editor de Noticias - News Editor - IARU R2 news at iaru-r2.org From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Jul 22 09:18:29 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 09:18:29 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] =?utf-8?q?Watch_The_Resurgence_Of_A?= =?utf-8?q?mateur_Radio_=E2=80=93_A_Silver_Lining_Of_COVID-19?= References: <3b59e65d-ceb5-7459-d68f-2082f59ef588.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <3b59e65d-ceb5-7459-d68f-2082f59ef588@bellsouth.net> Watch The Resurgence Of Amateur Radio ? A Silver Lining Of COVID-19 https://gcaptain.com/watch-the-resurgence-of-amateur-radio-a-silver-lining-of-covid-19/ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Wed Jul 22 11:58:58 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 11:58:58 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Propagation as a Matter of Life Or Death References: <2c8800ac-b595-f20e-bea6-fbc30a382f75.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <2c8800ac-b595-f20e-bea6-fbc30a382f75@bellsouth.net> /Great Story from the ARRL Contest Update/* * *Propagation**as a Matter of Life **Or**Death*** On May 25, 1928, the airship /Dirigible/ /Italia/ crashed on pack ice northeast of the Svalbard Islands, on its way back from a survey of the North Pole with 16 passengers and crew on board. At impact, one person was killed, and the cabin carrying nine people was separated from the hydrogen-filled airframe. Six crewmembers on the dirigible structure were never seen again as the airship became airborne again. The survivors on the icepack turned to their 5 watt wireless set to attempt to tell civilization they needed rescue, but it was only after nine days of trying that they were able to get the attention of a radio amateur 1900 km away. The recently published article "The Shipwreck of the Airship "Dirigibile Italia" in the 1928 Polar Venture: A Retrospective Analysis of the Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Conditions " provides the gripping historical context, and tries to answer the questions of why it was so difficult to establish communications for a rescue. Drawing from sources of geophysical data collected at the time, and using modern theories of propagation -- including some directly derived from amateur radio observations -- the authors present data including sunspot count, magnetic flux, and F2 layer height, and take the reader through an analysis of the skywave and groundwave paths. Ultimately, the authors suggest that groundwave path losses likely exceeded 100dB, leaving only the skywave as a potential link. In the initial few days after the crash, the ionospheric path was impossible at the frequency being used, due to disturbed conditions. It was only after conditions had settled that communication became possible, and only became reliable when a lower frequency was chosen. We may complain about poor propagation, but the stakes are nothing like what the /Dirigible/ /Italia/ faced. Even after communications were established, 15 rescuers were lost in the search and recovery operations, including Roald Amundsen, Norway's famed polar explorer. Finally, on July 12, 1928, 48 days after the initial crash, a Russian icebreaker was able to reach and rescue the survivors. That's all for this time. Remember to send contesting related stories, book reviews, tips, techniques, press releases, errata, schematics, club information, pictures, stories, blog links, and predictions to contest-update at arrl.org 73, Brian N9ADG From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Jul 23 15:52:04 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 15:52:04 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] =?utf-8?q?QRZ_-_New_video=3A_?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=98Introducing_the_IC-705_QRP_SDR_transceiver=E2=80=99?= References: <080da492-fbb6-ac42-d0a5-a31d713fc7d0.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <080da492-fbb6-ac42-d0a5-a31d713fc7d0@bellsouth.net> New video: ?Introducing the IC-705 QRP SDR transceiver? With the release of the much-anticipated IC-705 QRP SDR transceiver just around the corner, Icom UK have managed to get hold of a pre-production sample and give to Bob McCreadie G0FGX of TX Films to put it through its paces. He produced a video with his thoughts and reactions. In the video Bob? - Goes through a rundown of the IC-705?s many features and picks up on how simple and intuitive the IC-705 is to use. - Demonstrates the compact and lightweight body of the IC-705 and the flexibility of its power supply. - Shows the multiband capability of the radio?literally a ?shack in a box?. - Highlights its impressive, bright and intuitive 4.3? colour touch screen display as used on other Icom SDR radios like the market leading IC-7300 and IC-9700 models. - Gives us a sneak peek of the LC-192 Backpack designed especially for this radio looks like. For more information about TX Films and their regular programme dedicated to the great hobby of Amateur Radio visit http://www.txfactor.co.uk/ _ __View the video_ https://youtu.be/L_7uAa-9blE For more information about TX Films and their regular programme dedicated to the great hobby of Amateur Radio visit http://www.txfactor.co.uk/ http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/july/introducing-the-ic-705-qrp-sdr-transceiver.htm? For more details about the IC-705 visit the ?IC-705 Product Page? . http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/july/introducing-the-ic-705-qrp-sdr-transceiver.htmhttps://youtu.be/L_7uAa-9blE https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/new-video-%E2%80%98introducing-the-ic-705-qrp-sdr-transceiver%E2%80%99.715843/ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Fri Jul 24 15:29:38 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:29:38 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Reminder...! DXE Virtual Hamfest(TOMORROW) and DX Academy in July and QSO Today virtual hamfest Aug In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0f4dba24-a435-6298-4eba-dc6c4f93e285@bellsouth.net> Mark Your Calendars for the DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy in July 25th image.png https://www.dxengineering.com/techarticles/dxepressreleases/mark-your-calendars-for-the-dxe-virtual-hamfest-and-dx-academy-in-july?ibanner=DXEHPB2007002 *Coming to your laptop, tablet, and smartphone on: August 8 and 9, 2020* image.png *Register by July 24, 2020 to receive early bird prize incentives!* *QSOTodayHamExpo.com * DXCC/WAS/WAC/VUCC/IARU Card Checker and VE Coordinator ================================================ From bmarx at bellsouth.net Thu Jul 30 19:03:47 2020 From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill) Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:03:47 -0400 Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Hurricane Watch Net Activates for Hurricane Hanna References: <4005e4cc-e18f-8953-b82b-1fcc17ac2227.ref@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <4005e4cc-e18f-8953-b82b-1fcc17ac2227@bellsouth.net> Hurricane Watch Net Activates for Hurricane Hanna The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN ) activated on July 25 for Hurricane Hanna, the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season. When the net activated, the storm was poised to make landfall along the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 75 MPH. After it came ashore on the Texas coast, extensive property damage was reported in the Rio Grande Valley, the brunt of it south of Corpus Christi, which experienced storm-surge flooding and tropical storm winds. Areas to the south saw sustained hurricane-force winds. "The year 2020 has been a strange year in every way, and the weather is no different," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said last weekend. "Just a few hours ago, it looked as though we would be activating for Hurricane Gonzalo. Well, that storm had other ideas. The same can be said for what had been Tropical Storm Hanna in the Gulf of Mexico. All along, it looked as though this storm would make landfall as a tropical storm." The net activated on 14.325 MHz -- its primary net frequency -- and operated simultaneously on 7.268 MHz. The HWN remained active for several hours, working in cooperation with WX4NHC at National Hurricane Center (NHC). HWN volunteers gather observed ground-truth weather data from the affected area. "We are also available to provide backup communication to official agencies such as emergency operations centers, Red Cross officials, and storm shelters in the affected area," Graves added. In addition, the HWN collects and reports significant damage and storm surge data to forecasters and FEMA officials stationed at the National Hurricane Center. Due to COVID-19 precautions, WX4NHC operators worked from their homes.