05/20/2023

by Mark H. Derks, KC1RVQ, ARRL Acquisitions Editor

The Calm Before

The first official day of 2023 Dayton Hamvention[1]¨ began with half an hour of calm on the show floor. All the transceivers and whips, the coils of coax, and bins of SMA connecters lay abed beneath their evening coverings -- white plastic tablecloth in the ARRL exhibit space, black canvas covers for neighboring Icom, and others beyond that. Almost quiet beneath the Tesla building's steep-pitched ceiling, exhibitors shuffled in and peeled back coverings to bare their wares. Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, Director of Marketing and Innovation at ARRL, took to the center of the ARRL exhibits and raised his arms. "Attention ARRL team! Everybody gather 'round. Time for the team photo."

Those working in the booth put down their projects and gathered loosely before Inderbitzen. From somewhere, a two-step stool. He climbed and held up his phone. "Squeeze together."

"Everybody showered this morning," a sudden extra standing beside him joked. "Nothing to be afraid of."

Photos were taken of the big ARRL team -- a mix of staff, Board members, Section Managers, and many other member-volunteers.

Then came a shout from a passerbyer. "They opened the gates!"

Within minutes, the ARRL Expo space was full of people sizing t-shirts, checking QSL cards with DXCC volunteers and ARRL Radiosport staff, and flipping through issues of QST. ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, and ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, engaged in what would be a day of conversations, primarily with members, but also with anyone who wanted to catch a little of their time in the surrounding crowd.

Until almost the day's last minutes, the busyness didn't relent.

Learning and Innovation

Outside Tesla, fair-food trucks and the sprawling flea market. In one of the day's first sessions, ARRL Lab Manager George Spatta, W1GKS, overviewed procedures for QST's Product Review section, and provided a wealth of background information about the new program, the ARRL Clean Signal initiative. Key objectives of the program are developing specifications and test procedures that will influence equipment design and manufacturing, and educating amateurs regarding signal purity -- like avoiding and overcoming poor-quality signals. The initiative is designed to incentivize manufacturers to clean up transceiver emissions beyond those that the FCC regulates. Spatta also promoted the two available jobs in the ARRL Lab (www.arrl.org/careers[2]). ARRL RFI Engineer Steve Anderson, W1EMI, followed up with information about detecting and dealing with RFI, especially from evolving sources, such as grow lights and solar panels.

Later in the afternoon, the Antenna Forum, moderated by Tim Duffy, K3LR, of DX Engineering, drew a sizeable crowd. There were a few spots available deep in the rows of chairs, but even the wall-space was full of hams eager to hear from Frank Donovan, W3LPL; Jim Breakall, WA3FET; Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, and Anthony Luscre, K8ZT.

Donovan's talk was called, "Six Meter Long Distance Propagation During the Next Four Years of Solar Maximum," and it started with an overview of contemporary propagation literature, including the 100th Edition of the ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications[3], the upcoming 25th Edition of the Antenna Book (October 2023), and the soon-to-be-released new ARRL title, Here to There: Radio Wave Propagation. He then discussed Sporadic E, which he expects to remain relatively reliable as Solar Cycle 25 climbs to its peak. As for Transequatorial Propagation (TEP) on six meters, his second topic, he talked about how conditions have already improved for this elusive propagation type. To illustrate his point he detailed six-meter contacts he made with Angola and Fiji from his station in Maryland.

Because the conditions for six-meter Sporadic E and six-meter TEP openings will remain short lived and unpredictable throughout the solar cycle, he suggested a variety of automations and alert systems using WSJT-X and JTAlert programmed to announce when exact call signs are hearable. For example, the TEP to Fiji lasted only long enough for he and another nearby ham to make their contacts before fading.

Jim Breakall then discussed the benefits and shortcomings of various antenna modeling software, and detailed a new method for determining the correct length of a dipole. It turns out, the 468/frequency method dates back to the 1910s and only provides accurate lengths when using three-inch diameter legs. His investigation was informed by a paper Ward Silver, N0AX, authored on eHam.net. He then detailed a method for using two measurements to determine the proper length of a dipole and, in the spirit of innovation, urged the audience to test the method with real dipoles, something he has not yet done.

The last session observed during day was "Mastering SOTA - Tips and Tricks," which proved to be a short, lively, presentation that highlighted the close-knit nature of the Summits on the Air community and left ample time for questions. Keith Schlottman, KR7RK, provided an excellent overview of planning a SOTA activation. Brian Betz, W7JET, drove home the importance of preparing for the worst-especially for getting lost or injured and making sure you have the best possibility that you can of being rescued. Finally, Charlie Brown, NJ7V, discussed keeping SOTA fun, even after you've achieved some of your goals, like the Mountain Goat award. Tactics include setting personal goals, joint activations, pursuing unique or new summits, improving your gear, and experimenting with new modes and techniques.

Youth Abound

Back in the ARRL exhibit area, a banner emblazoned with "ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program" hangs above a booth adorned with university pennants and swarming with young 18 to 20-somethings. Student-hams from colleges and universities around the country have volunteered to help ARRL promote the program and the participation of their radio clubs and schools. These young hams greet attendees with stories of how amateur radio is furthering their interest in wireless communications and other areas of STEM education. Their experiences are also leading to advanced careers in radio technology and related fields. The bright spotlight on young hams contributes a welcome message to all who pass by: the next generation of radio amateurs is already here, and they're already active. The ARRL YouTube channel[4] includes a short video with some of the student participants.

Overall, the first day of Hamvention provided numerous educational opportunities, great camaraderie with fellow hams, and just enough sun to set the buildings baking by the end of the day. An excellent start!

[Follow ARRL's photo album from 2023 Dayton Hamvention at https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention[5].]

ÿ


[1] http://hamvention.org/
[2] https://www.arrl.org/careers
[3] https://handbook.arrl.org/
[4] https://youtu.be/KzG0MBx-xbs
[5] https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

05/22/2023

by Mark H. Derks, KC1RVQ, ARRL Acquisitions Editor

Ramping up

An overnight rain soaked the Greene County Fairgrounds for Saturday's Dayton Hamvention[1]¨, but by the time the gates opened, the skies were mostly clear and the temperature hovered in the mid-60s. The crowds were a little slower to build, as if the convention itself - like many an attendee - needed a little extra time to limber up for the day, but by about 10 AM the show floor was lively. Hams funneled through the ARRL Expo[2] area, snagging 2023 ARRL Field Day t-shirts, Year of the Volunteers pins, and after renewing their membership, walking away with commemorative Gil cartoon mugs or ARRL's End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna Kit offering. Amateur radio operators sought advice from ARRL experts on everything from emergency communications to estate planning and legacy donations, and the staff and volunteers managed everything with practiced competence.

Meetup!

At the ARRL Meetup! booth, authors Glen Popiel, KW5GP, Ward Silver, N0AX, and Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, drew good crowds for their signings. Popiel, who authored More Arduino for Ham Radio[3] and other titles, traded Arduino projects and elucidated ideas with his usual topsy wit. Silver courted a bevy of admirers and knowledge-seekers - particularly as lead editor for the ARRL Handbook[4]. Frissell invited attendees to the 2023 and 2024 HamSCI Solar Eclipse QSO Party[5] (SEQP). Numerous hams inquired about writing for ARRL's publications, and several remarked that the Meetup! branding made the booth seem much more approachable.

Innovations at Hamvention

At the Amateur Radio Emergency Service¨ (ARES¨) forum, Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, ARRL Director of Emergency Management, addressed an enthusiastic crowd. He rolled out a variety of strategic partnerships pursued on behalf of ARRL and ARES¨ volunteers. Some had been in the works for over a year. Partnerships included Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service. Johnston highlighted, in particular, the inclusion of amateur radio in SAFECOM[6], whose emergency communications division,¨"leads the nation's public safety, national security, and emergency preparedness communications efforts to keep America safe, secure, and resilient." They are a major stakeholder behind the scenes in emergency management.

HamSCI[7]: The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation rounded out the afternoon of panels, with student presentations by Rachel Boedicker, AC8XY, and Diego Sanchez, KD2RLM. Boedicker discussed the upcoming SEQP and some of what the group hopes to learn through the QSO party. She also provided information on the personal space weather project and the GRAPE 1 and GRAPE 2, which are receivers using a GPS disciplined oscillator to monitor the doppler shift of "frequency standard stations such as WWV/Hÿand CHU[8]." The doppler shift can be used to measure changes in the ionosphere over time or when aggregated in a network.

ARRL Membership Forum

Dale Williams, WA8EFK, Director of the ARRL Great Lakes Division, moderated a Saturday afternoon ARRL Membership forum, which included short presentations from ARRL Treasurer John R. Sager, WJ7S; Director of Operations Bob Naumann, W5OV; CEO David A. Minster, NA2AA, and President Rick Roderick, K5UR.

Sager highlighted the work of the organization's Investment Management Committee (IMC) and CAPTRUST, an outside investment firm that was selected to actively manage the ARRL investment portfolio for the benefit of members. Naumann provided an update on The ARRL Logbook of The World[9] (LoTW), including recent improvements that have significantly reduced, and sometimes nearly eliminated, log processing queues. Minster highlighted a handful of ARRL initiatives including the yearlong theme Year of the Volunteers and its complementary operating event, Volunteers On the Air[10] (VOTA). He encouraged members to "reach one rung higher" in their contributions to ARRL volunteerism and support. He also introduced the new ARRLÿEstate Planning Workbook[11] which is intended to help members develop a plan for their equipment and amateur radio legacy, which will ultimately benefit spouses and other family members following the amateur's lifetime. Roderick charged members with concentrating on their efforts to make an impact on amateur radio, encouraging newcomers and youth, and ensuring their legacy for amateur radio.

Looking Behind to Look Ahead

Day two of Hamvention started out looking like the weather might turn and the crowds might slow, but by the end of the day, Saturday proved to be another standout day for the 2023 event. As the day wrapped up, a glance back at the ARRL Expo store showed gaps where books had sold out and dwindling stacks of t-shirts, caps, and mugs. The missing items told a story of the day's success. Onward to Sunday!

[See ARRL's photo album from 2023 Dayton Hamvention at https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention[12].]


[1] https://hamvention.org/
[2] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[3] https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/133985
[4] https://handbook.arrl.org/
[5] https://hamsci.org/seqp-rules
[6] https://www.cisa.gov/safecom
[7] https://hamsci.org/
[8] https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/canadas-official-time/nrc-shortwave-station-broadcasts-chu
[9] http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world
[10] https://vota.arrl.org/
[11] https://www.arrl.org/estate-planning-workbook
[12] https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

05/22/2023

by Mark H. Derks, KC1RVQ, ARRL Acquisitions Editor

Sunday at Dayton Hamvention[1]¨ proved to be a whirlwind affair, even if the crowds had thinned considerably from Friday and Saturday's surge. In the ARRL Expo space, a few more books sold out, along with some of the popular sizes for 2023 ARRL Field Day t-shirts. Among the staff and volunteers present, there was a sense that the event had proved a success even as it was winding down.

Session Overview

Of interest in the 9:15 AM forum slot was the introduction of FreeDV[2]. While FreeDV has been around since 2021, it has been growing in popularity with digital amateur radio enthusiasts as a digital mode that allows for voice contacts and more extended conversations. The session provided an opportunity to spread the word about this emerging digital voice mode. Mooner Salem, K6AQ, described the variety of modes available within the software, each suited to different band conditions. When there is good propagation, the 2020 mode provides improved digital voice, but as conditions degrade, it may be necessary to shift to one of the lower quality options. He also promoted the FreeDV Activity Day, which occurs during the third weekend of each month and has expanded from a single day to a weekend-long activity. He was quick to point out it's not a contest, just a get together -- a way to motivate regular FreeDV use.

Volunteers Heed the Call

Any report on Hamvention would be remiss if it didn't take a moment to acknowledge the scale of the help and the depth of the commitment that the many, many ARRL member-volunteers demonstrated. Recall that photograph of the big ARRL Expo team? Of those, just twenty were ARRL employees. The remaining sixty-five or so -- from Division Directors and Section Managers, to everyday members -- demonstrated their profound commitment to bettering ham radio and ARRL. Volunteers checked thousands of QSL cards and fielded numerous questions about Logbook of The World. They labored long hours at the checkout table, entering items and cashiering. They helped fellow hams solve problems with software compatibility, projects, and antenna advice. They helped test radios for spurious emissions. They engaged young hams and young prospective hams. They shared paths for getting involved in the Field Organization, how to create more vibrant radio clubs, how to renew your license, and what must have felt like a million different things. And if they couldn't solve the problem themselves, they pulled that old ham trick of talking to other hams to chase down an answer. They followed the advice of CEO David Minster, NA2AA, who regularly charges each of us to "be the connector" that grows amateur radio and ARRL. It cannot go without saying that the ARRL Expo and each of ARRL's numerous presentations would not have succeeded without their dedication, knowledge, and effort.

Despite some heat, aching feet, hotel beds, cheap coffee, and changeable weather, ARRL volunteers at Hamvention came together to demonstrate what it means to "climb one rung higher." We thank and salute each of them!

[See ARRL's photo album from 2023 Dayton Hamvention at https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention[3].]


[1] https://hamvention.org/
[2] https://freedv.org/
[3] https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention

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þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS