| ARRL Utah Section Expanding Emergency Communication Capabilities |
A new and faster way to communicate during emergencies is being planned by the Utah Section of the ARRL ARES® group, which serves Salt Lake County, the most populous area in Utah. ARRL Utah Section Public Information Coordinator Scott Rosenbush, K7HSR, said that discussion and planning for mesh networks using AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) technology is on the drawing board. A recent meeting and presentation by Brett Pruitt, K7BDP, Utah Section Emergency Coordinator, was attended by a large group of ARES amateur radio operators. More than a dozen Salt Lake County hams have already invested in AREDN technology with an interest in helping to create and support an emergency mesh network in the county. Southern Utah ARES groups have already created a five-county mesh network that can be used for emergency communications. |
 | | Brett Pruitt, K7BDP, Utah Section Emergency Coordinator |
|
|
|
“We hope to ultimately connect to STARLINK and run the mesh network over that,” said Pruitt. “On November 2, we will have an exercise with hospitals in the northern and southern Utah ARES groups using the regular internet. After that, if STARLINK is more readily available, we will run the drill again without the internet to fully test the new technology.” Pruitt said the goal is to have everything working by early 2025. “The needs of participating agencies have evolved to require more than analog voice and low-speed data modes,” said Rosenbush. High-speed mesh networks using AREDN software will allow amateur radio to play a larger role in supporting these agencies in emergencies.” The Utah Section is working to extend this technology, said Rosenbush. “Our hope is to bring this technology to other parts of the state to increase the communications capability and value of amateur radio to partner agencies.” |
 | |
Hams Respond as Hawaii Threatened by Three Major Storms |
 | | Hurricane Hone 2024 [Photo courtesy of the National Hurricane Center] |
|
|
|
In late August, Hawaii’s big island was threatened by three major tropical storms and amateur radio operators were prepared to assist as the threat grew more intense. Russell Roberts, KH6JRM, Public Information Officer, Hawaii County, ARRL Pacific Section, said that beginning August 23, storm watches and warnings were being issued for tropical storms Hone, Gilma, and Hector, all churning off the island’s southern coast. By August 24, Hone had become a Category 1 hurricane with winds over 75 miles per hour (MPH), occasional gusts to 100 MPH and heavy rain. Gilma was next as a Category 1, but later intensified to a Category 3 hurricane, before weakening to a tropical depression during the final week of August. Hector suffered the same fate by becoming a tropical depression a few days later. Hurricane Hone dumped as much as 28 inches of rain in some windward areas of Hawaii Island. “We had 3 Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) operators on the net for about 24 hours beginning August 24 and they handled 41 contacts,” said Roberts. “Some repeaters were out of fuel, so we switched to HF to pass traffic and assess the damage.” The storms never made landfall and while there were no fatalities or injuries, the damage was severe. Nearly 30,000 residents were affected. Power is still out for over 200 customers, cleanup and road repair are active. “We were very fortunate,” said Roberts. “There was concern a fire warning would need to be issued for several parts of the island. But the approaching weather brought rain and lowered temperatures.” |
National Preparedness Month: Have a Go Kit |
September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate for a served agency through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) involves not only being licensed and trained, but also prepared and equipped. ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, suggests that hams and their families have a “go-bag”. He says there are a few things to consider: “You need to be able to function while activated, so that means you need a kit for your needs and a kit for your radio needs. If your family is impacted by the situation, they also need to have some gear at the ready.” On the ARRL website, there’s an Emergency Prep Kit Checklist. It lists the common items such as food and water for several days, a first aid kit, medications, chargers for your devices and other useful items. |
 | |
 | | ARRL Gray Canvas Backpack |
|
|
|
Having a kit for your radio is useful as well. “Go kits will vary based on function and need for the field,” said Johnston. “Most kits should include a dual band HT and/or mobile radio with antenna, a power supply and all necessary cables and connectors. Every kit should include note pad or paper of some type as well as pens or pencils. You should have a power source and power cables. If you are working HF then you will need an HF radio and antenna, and if you want digital capabilities, then a computer with software preloaded will be desired.” Other things you may want will include tape and tools, spare batteries, headphones, flashlights of some sort, cell phone chargers, and a multimeter. Other items that won’t fit in a bag but may be needed include a generator, a working surface like a small folding table, a chair, and some type of shelter. Need a bag for your go kit? Consider the ARRL Gray Canvas Backpack. $30.00 in the ARRL Store. |
Amateur Radio in the News |
“Registration is open for the 2024 Amateur Radio Technician licensing course” / The Villages Daily Sun (Florida) September 2, 2024 -- The Villages Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club. “Amid wildfires and spotty cell service, Northstate residents turn to ham radios” / KRTV (California) September 3, 2024 -- Western Amateur Radio Repeater and Echolink Association. |
On the Air Sponsored by Icom The podcast takes a field trip to W1AW, ARRL’s Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, to hear from W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, about all the ways to “Practice Code with W1AW,” from daily code practice sessions at a speed that suits you, to Qualifying Runs where you can earn certificates for submitting accurate copy. |
ARRL Audio News Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews and other features. The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts. On the Air | ARRL Audio News |
The Hawaiian Islands Grid Madness 2024, a VHF/UHF simplex event, will take place Sunday, September 22, from 1300 to 1700 HST. The four-hour event is designed for EmComm practice and for fun. Amateur radio operators will have a chance to test their equipment, coverage and operating skills using FM simplex on 6 meters, 2 meters, 1.25 meters, and 70 centimeters. All licensed amateur radio operators in the state of Hawaii may participate. Complete rules and information are available at Grid Madness 2024 Info Packet. The Hawaiian Islands Grid Madness 2024 is sponsored by the Emergency Amateur Radio Club of Hawaii. |
Pacificon, hosting the 2024 ARRL Pacific Division Convention, will be held on October 18 – 20 at the San Ramon Marriott in San Ramon, California. The three-day event, sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club, features a full slate of forum presentations on a wide range of amateur radio topics. ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA, will be on hand. There will also be an opportunity to hear about and discuss important national amateur radio issues with ARRL officials and staff. For more information, visit the Pacificon website at Pacificon 2024. |
 | | This image was taken on September 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI] |
|
|
|
For this Friday’s ARRL Propagation Bulletin, ARLP036: Eight new sunspot groups emerged over the past week. Two appeared on August 30, three more on August 31, another two on September 2 and one more on September 4. The average daily sunspot number declined from 177.1 to 155.3, while average daily solar flux barely changed from 229 to 230.3. Predicted solar flux is 260, 250, 240, and 250 on September 5 – 8; 255 on September 9 – 10; 245 on September 11 – 12; 240, 250, 255, and 245 on September 13 – 16; 240, 235, 240, and 245 on September 17 – 20; 240 on September 21 – 22; 245 on September 23 – 24; 240, 235, 230, and 225 on September 25 - 28. Predicted planetary A index is 10 on September 5 – 6; 5 on September 7; 10 on September 8 – 9; 8 on September 10 – 11; 5 on September 12 – 16; 8 on September 17 – 18; 5 on September 19 – 25, and 25 on September 26 - 27. Sunspot numbers for August 29 through September 4, 2024, were 124, 143, 180, 156, 200, 133, and 151, with a mean of 155.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 204, 214.2, 232.6, 231.6, 225.5, 242.1, and 261.8, with a mean of 230.3. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 23, 26, 16, 8, 7, and 13, with a mean of 14. Middle latitude A index was 5, 16, 19, 16, 16, 16, 7, 10, and 16, with a mean of 12.7. Send your tips, questions, or comments to k7ra@arrl.net. A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...," and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA. A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website. Share your reports and observations. A weekly, full report is posted on ARRL News. |
- September 5 - 6 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
- September 5 -- NRAU 10m Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
- September 7 - 8 -- All Asian DX Contest (phone)
- September 7 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
- September 7 - 8 -- SARL VHF/UHF FM Contest (phone)
- September 7 - 8 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
- September 7 - 8 -- IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB (phone)
- September 7 - 8 -- RSGB SSB Field Day (phone)
- September 7 -- Ohio State Parks on the Air (phone)
- September 7 - 8 -- IARU Region 1 145 MHz Contest (CW, phone, digital)
- September 7 -- AGCW Straight Key Party (CW)
- September 7 -- CWOps CW Open (CW)
- September 7 - 8 -- PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80m Sprint (digital)
- September 8 -- North American Sprint (CW)
- September 8 -- WAB 144 MHz QRO (phone)
- September 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
- September 9 -- 144 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
- September 11 -- RSGB 80m Autumn Series (CW)
Visit the ARRL Contest Calendar for more events and information. |
Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions |
- September 8 | ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
- September 20 - 22 | Duke City Hamfest, sponsoring the ARRL New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- September 21 - 22 | Midwest Superfest, sponsoring the ARRL Illinois Section Convention, Chillicothe, Illinois
- September 28 | Red River Radio Amateurs Hamfest, sponsoring the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North Dakota
- October 5 | Wichita Area Hamfest, sponsoring the ARRL Kansas State Convention, Wichita, Kansas
- October 5 | Northstar Radio Convention, sponsoring the ARRL Minnesota State Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
- October 12 | Rock Hill Hamfest, sponsoring the ARRL South Carolina Section Convention, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
- October 18 - 20 | Pacificon, sponsoring the ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California
- November 2 | Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference 2024, sponsoring the ARRL Wisconsin State Convention, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events in your area. |
Have News for ARRL? Submissions for the ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org. -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor |
 | |
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information Join ARRL or renew today! No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ. Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday. The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology. NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint, and QSO parties. QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals. Free of charge to ARRL members... Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts, and much more! Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Threads, X, and Instagram. |
|
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at www.arrl.org/opt-in-out. Copyright © 2024 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Comments
Post a Comment