Southern New Jersey Section News
ARRL Atlantic Division
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To All Atlantic Division ARRL Members :
Contrary to what you may have heard or read, the collection of application fees for the amateur radio service and certain other services will NOT begin on April 19, 2021.
Although April 19, 2021 is the date the rules in the FCC Report and Order adopted last December generally take effect – i.e., one month after the R&O was published in the March 19, 2021 Federal Register - certain parts of those rules, including collection of the application fees for the amateur radio service, will NOT begin on that date.
The effective date for new amateur radio fees has not yet been established. The FCC explicitly states in the published Notice that the fees will not take effect until :
The League’s counsel for FCC matters estimates that the effective start date for collecting the fees will be some time this Summer, but regardless of the exact timing we will have advance notice.
Tom Abernethy, W3TOM
Director, Atlantic Division
w3tom@arrl.org
Contrary to what you may have heard or read, the collection of application fees for the amateur radio service and certain other services will NOT begin on April 19, 2021.
Although April 19, 2021 is the date the rules in the FCC Report and Order adopted last December generally take effect – i.e., one month after the R&O was published in the March 19, 2021 Federal Register - certain parts of those rules, including collection of the application fees for the amateur radio service, will NOT begin on that date.
The effective date for new amateur radio fees has not yet been established. The FCC explicitly states in the published Notice that the fees will not take effect until :
- The requisite notice has been provided to Congress; AND
- The FCC’s information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated; AND
- The Commission publishes [FUTURE] notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules.
The League’s counsel for FCC matters estimates that the effective start date for collecting the fees will be some time this Summer, but regardless of the exact timing we will have advance notice.
Tom Abernethy, W3TOM
Director, Atlantic Division
w3tom@arrl.org
SNJ Section Website : www.snj.arrl.org
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ARRL Southern New Jersey Section for Ham Radio
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ARRL Sections - Southern New Jersey
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The Southern New Jersey Section Team
Section Officials
Assistant Section Manager - Burlington : Frank Huminski, K2SQS
Assistant Section Manager - Camden : Mark J. O'Brien, K2AX
Assistant Section Manager - Cape May : Timothy J. Cwik, N2LTQ
Assistant Section Manager - Cumberland : Chris Chamberlain, N2IVN
Assistant Section Manager - Gloucester : Bob Fields, KC6AOH
Assistant Section Manager - Mercer : Gary C. Wilson, K2GW
Assistant Section Manager - Ocean : Robert W. Schenck, N2OO
Affliliated Club Coordinator : Frank J. Palecek, KC2TKD
State Government Liaison : Christopher J. Cannatella, KC2GNQ
Section Emergency Coordinator : Thomas G. Devine, WB2ALJ
Technical Coordinator : John Kafka, NJ1SP
Section Traffic Manager : Steven A. Bromhead, KB2RTZ
Section Youth Coordinator :
Section Public Information Coordinator : Jennifer Robinson, KD2EYR
Assistant Section Manager - Camden : Mark J. O'Brien, K2AX
Assistant Section Manager - Cape May : Timothy J. Cwik, N2LTQ
Assistant Section Manager - Cumberland : Chris Chamberlain, N2IVN
Assistant Section Manager - Gloucester : Bob Fields, KC6AOH
Assistant Section Manager - Mercer : Gary C. Wilson, K2GW
Assistant Section Manager - Ocean : Robert W. Schenck, N2OO
Affliliated Club Coordinator : Frank J. Palecek, KC2TKD
State Government Liaison : Christopher J. Cannatella, KC2GNQ
Section Emergency Coordinator : Thomas G. Devine, WB2ALJ
Technical Coordinator : John Kafka, NJ1SP
Section Traffic Manager : Steven A. Bromhead, KB2RTZ
Section Youth Coordinator :
Section Public Information Coordinator : Jennifer Robinson, KD2EYR
Emergency Coordinators
Atlantic County : Dave Larcombe, KD2KVZ
Burlington County : Chris Canatella, KC2GNQ
Camden County : Tom Gorman, KE2ES
Cumberland County : Mike Harla, N2HMO
Gloucester County : Karl Frank, W2KBF
Mercer County : John Pugh, WJ3P
Ocean County : Bob Murdock, WX2NJ
Salem County : Charlie Olinda, N2SRQ
Burlington County : Chris Canatella, KC2GNQ
Camden County : Tom Gorman, KE2ES
Cumberland County : Mike Harla, N2HMO
Gloucester County : Karl Frank, W2KBF
Mercer County : John Pugh, WJ3P
Ocean County : Bob Murdock, WX2NJ
Salem County : Charlie Olinda, N2SRQ
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : May 2022
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is getting much nicer. The bands are really open. I am hearing that people are making contacts on the radio like we haven’t seen in sometime. This is an exciting time to be an amateur radio operator. Please encourage everyone to get on the air as often as possible. I have been on almost every day and its hard to turn off the radio to move on to something else.
As you may know by now the ARRL web site has been updated. It may be confusing how to log on. Since the changes have been made you have to reset your password. In some cases, you have to set up your login again using your email. It took me a few tries but I finally got it to work.
Follow these steps to sign in and access ARRL features and services: Go to arrl.org and click “Login”. If you had an existing account and have not logged into the new system yet, you can do one of the following steps:
If you know your username, click “Reset Password”. Check your email; you will receive an email from “Personify Identity Provider” with a subject of “ARRL Reset Password Request”. Follow the instructions in the email. If you do not receive an email to reset your password, click on “Forgot Username” and proceed from there.
OR when you get to the Login Screen, Click on Register. Enter the main e-mail address we have on file and click “Next.” * You will be prompted to create a username and new password. Your password must contain at least eight characters, a number, an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, and a non-alphanumeric character. *Note, if the email address is not on file, then you will need to fill out all the fields (first name, last name, address, etc.).
OR if you have logged into the new system, please enter your username and password.
OR if you never had an ARRL account, click “Register” and follow the prompts. This will log you in to arrl.org, which now allows you to renew, donate, and shop all in one transaction. If you need help, we’re here for you. Call us Monday – Thursday from 8 am – 7 pm (ET) and on Friday from 8 am –5 pm (ET) or e-mail us at membership@arrl.org.
Meeting Resources
Anyone that has been involved with a club knows that it is a challenge coming up with meeting materials and presentations. Club meetings should be more than just listening to the repeater and treasurer reports. Here at ARRL Headquarters, we get requests all the time to speak at meetings. Unfortunately, there are only so many of us and resources are thin. However, we can offer clubs the ARRL Learning Center as a resource. There you will find a list of presentations on a variety of topics. The recordings can be used at a club meeting, even a virtual meeting. Most have a contact for additional information, and they are all. The only requirement is that whoever logs into the Learning Center must be an ARRL member. Their ARRL website credentials will get them in. Check it out and try it for a meeting. The address is https://learn.arrl.org. Most of the content in the webinars section is the perfect length for a club meeting. You will also find training programs and educational materials for the member and the club.
Warminster ARC & EPA Section Convention, Sunday, May 1st: 7 am to 1pm. At Bucks County Community College– LowerBucks Campus, 1304 Rte. 413, Bristol, PA. Website: http://wp.k3dn.org/hamfest
NJECT Spring Fox Hunt – May 14th, 2022 10 AM-12 PM Thompson Park Lincroft NJ. Go to http://nject.us for more information.
Cape May County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest- June 25 and 26 2022 Doors open at 7 AM. It will be held at the Cape May Airport Complex in Erma NJ. http://cmcarc.org/?page_id=1294
Remember if your Club is having an event, please send me the information and I will put it out to the Southern New Jersey Section.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is getting much nicer. The bands are really open. I am hearing that people are making contacts on the radio like we haven’t seen in sometime. This is an exciting time to be an amateur radio operator. Please encourage everyone to get on the air as often as possible. I have been on almost every day and its hard to turn off the radio to move on to something else.
As you may know by now the ARRL web site has been updated. It may be confusing how to log on. Since the changes have been made you have to reset your password. In some cases, you have to set up your login again using your email. It took me a few tries but I finally got it to work.
Follow these steps to sign in and access ARRL features and services: Go to arrl.org and click “Login”. If you had an existing account and have not logged into the new system yet, you can do one of the following steps:
If you know your username, click “Reset Password”. Check your email; you will receive an email from “Personify Identity Provider” with a subject of “ARRL Reset Password Request”. Follow the instructions in the email. If you do not receive an email to reset your password, click on “Forgot Username” and proceed from there.
OR when you get to the Login Screen, Click on Register. Enter the main e-mail address we have on file and click “Next.” * You will be prompted to create a username and new password. Your password must contain at least eight characters, a number, an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, and a non-alphanumeric character. *Note, if the email address is not on file, then you will need to fill out all the fields (first name, last name, address, etc.).
OR if you have logged into the new system, please enter your username and password.
OR if you never had an ARRL account, click “Register” and follow the prompts. This will log you in to arrl.org, which now allows you to renew, donate, and shop all in one transaction. If you need help, we’re here for you. Call us Monday – Thursday from 8 am – 7 pm (ET) and on Friday from 8 am –5 pm (ET) or e-mail us at membership@arrl.org.
Meeting Resources
Anyone that has been involved with a club knows that it is a challenge coming up with meeting materials and presentations. Club meetings should be more than just listening to the repeater and treasurer reports. Here at ARRL Headquarters, we get requests all the time to speak at meetings. Unfortunately, there are only so many of us and resources are thin. However, we can offer clubs the ARRL Learning Center as a resource. There you will find a list of presentations on a variety of topics. The recordings can be used at a club meeting, even a virtual meeting. Most have a contact for additional information, and they are all. The only requirement is that whoever logs into the Learning Center must be an ARRL member. Their ARRL website credentials will get them in. Check it out and try it for a meeting. The address is https://learn.arrl.org. Most of the content in the webinars section is the perfect length for a club meeting. You will also find training programs and educational materials for the member and the club.
Warminster ARC & EPA Section Convention, Sunday, May 1st: 7 am to 1pm. At Bucks County Community College– LowerBucks Campus, 1304 Rte. 413, Bristol, PA. Website: http://wp.k3dn.org/hamfest
NJECT Spring Fox Hunt – May 14th, 2022 10 AM-12 PM Thompson Park Lincroft NJ. Go to http://nject.us for more information.
Cape May County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest- June 25 and 26 2022 Doors open at 7 AM. It will be held at the Cape May Airport Complex in Erma NJ. http://cmcarc.org/?page_id=1294
Remember if your Club is having an event, please send me the information and I will put it out to the Southern New Jersey Section.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : April 2022
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is beginning to improve. Many clubs are planning their activities and gathering together again. There are also some hamfests in the planning phase. Some other clubs are planning Foxhunts and some have already had one or two. There seems to be no lack of amateur radio activities in the Southern New Jersey Section. Remember Field Day is coming in June. Even though you can work from home many clubs are planning to set up in the field again. I will be making the rounds to many clubs and I hope to see many of you. Don’t forget to order your Field Day gear from the ARRL.
The ARRL Website is being redesigned. Check it out to see the new layout. We have been waiting for this for some time. I think many will like the new look. Don’t forget to check out the ARRL Learning Center for new and updated courses https://learn.arrl.org
Annual Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Exercise Set for May 14
The 2022 running of the Armed Forces Day (AFD) Cross-Band exercise will be held on May 14, 1300 – 2200 UTC. A complete list of participating stations, modes, frequencies, times, and other details will be announced on April 1. The event is open to all radio amateurs. Armed Forces Day is May 21, but the AFD Cross-band military-amateur radio event traditionally takes place 1 week earlier, in order to avoid conflicting with Dayton Hamvention®. During the exercise, radio amateurs listen for stations on military operating frequencies and transmit on frequencies in adjacent amateur bands. Military and amateur stations have taken part in this event for more than 50 years. It’s an exercise scenario, designed to include ham radio and government radio operators alike.
Per previous announcements: “The AFD Cross-band Test is a unique opportunity to test two-way communications between military communicators and radio stations in the Amateur Radio Service, as authorized in 47 CFR 97.111. These tests provide opportunities and challenges for radio operators to demonstrate individual technical skills in a tightly controlled exercise scenario that does not impact any public or private communications.”
Military stations in various locations will transmit on selected military frequencies and announce the specific ham band frequencies they are monitoring.
An AFD message will be transmitted utilizing the Military Standard (MIL-STD) serial PSK waveform (M110), followed by MIL-STD Wide Shift FSK (850 Hz RTTY), as described in MIL-STD 188-110A/B. The AFD message will also be sent in CW and RTTY. Full details will be released on April 1.
2022 World Amateur Radio Day is April 18
All amateur radio operators worldwide can participate on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 0000 UTC until Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 0000 UTC. This is a global event covering all regions of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). World Amateur Radio Day, held on April 18 each year, is celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs and their national associations which are organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.
On World Amateur Radio Day, all radio amateurs are invited to take to the airwaves to enjoy our global friendship with other amateurs, and to show our skills and capabilities to the public.
World Amateur Radio Day is not a contest but rather an opportunity to “talk” about the value of amateur radio to the public and our fellow amateur colleagues. It is also a great opportunity to talk about your radio club and amateur radio in local media as a lead-up to ARRL Field Day (held each year during the fourth full weekend in June) and another ham radio related activity in your community – such as volunteers who serve in local emergency communication readiness including the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service®.
Here are just a few ways to participate in, and promote, World Amateur Radio Day :
Get a station on the air! Create your own personal “event” to talk about amateur radio to others, including family and friends.
Create and hold a special net or on-air event on World Amateur Radio Day to raise the level of attention for the celebration, and to encourage other hams to talk about our hobby. Consider creating and offering a commemorative certificate for contacting your special activation. It can be an electronic one as these are cost effective.
Promote your personal World Amateur Radio Day activity(ies) on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag #WorldAmateurRadioDay. Make sure you send it to various clubs, reflectors, and media.
Join us in celebrating World Amateur Radio Day and all the ways amateur radio brings us together!
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is beginning to improve. Many clubs are planning their activities and gathering together again. There are also some hamfests in the planning phase. Some other clubs are planning Foxhunts and some have already had one or two. There seems to be no lack of amateur radio activities in the Southern New Jersey Section. Remember Field Day is coming in June. Even though you can work from home many clubs are planning to set up in the field again. I will be making the rounds to many clubs and I hope to see many of you. Don’t forget to order your Field Day gear from the ARRL.
The ARRL Website is being redesigned. Check it out to see the new layout. We have been waiting for this for some time. I think many will like the new look. Don’t forget to check out the ARRL Learning Center for new and updated courses https://learn.arrl.org
Annual Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Exercise Set for May 14
The 2022 running of the Armed Forces Day (AFD) Cross-Band exercise will be held on May 14, 1300 – 2200 UTC. A complete list of participating stations, modes, frequencies, times, and other details will be announced on April 1. The event is open to all radio amateurs. Armed Forces Day is May 21, but the AFD Cross-band military-amateur radio event traditionally takes place 1 week earlier, in order to avoid conflicting with Dayton Hamvention®. During the exercise, radio amateurs listen for stations on military operating frequencies and transmit on frequencies in adjacent amateur bands. Military and amateur stations have taken part in this event for more than 50 years. It’s an exercise scenario, designed to include ham radio and government radio operators alike.
Per previous announcements: “The AFD Cross-band Test is a unique opportunity to test two-way communications between military communicators and radio stations in the Amateur Radio Service, as authorized in 47 CFR 97.111. These tests provide opportunities and challenges for radio operators to demonstrate individual technical skills in a tightly controlled exercise scenario that does not impact any public or private communications.”
Military stations in various locations will transmit on selected military frequencies and announce the specific ham band frequencies they are monitoring.
An AFD message will be transmitted utilizing the Military Standard (MIL-STD) serial PSK waveform (M110), followed by MIL-STD Wide Shift FSK (850 Hz RTTY), as described in MIL-STD 188-110A/B. The AFD message will also be sent in CW and RTTY. Full details will be released on April 1.
2022 World Amateur Radio Day is April 18
All amateur radio operators worldwide can participate on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 0000 UTC until Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 0000 UTC. This is a global event covering all regions of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). World Amateur Radio Day, held on April 18 each year, is celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs and their national associations which are organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.
On World Amateur Radio Day, all radio amateurs are invited to take to the airwaves to enjoy our global friendship with other amateurs, and to show our skills and capabilities to the public.
World Amateur Radio Day is not a contest but rather an opportunity to “talk” about the value of amateur radio to the public and our fellow amateur colleagues. It is also a great opportunity to talk about your radio club and amateur radio in local media as a lead-up to ARRL Field Day (held each year during the fourth full weekend in June) and another ham radio related activity in your community – such as volunteers who serve in local emergency communication readiness including the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service®.
Here are just a few ways to participate in, and promote, World Amateur Radio Day :
Get a station on the air! Create your own personal “event” to talk about amateur radio to others, including family and friends.
Create and hold a special net or on-air event on World Amateur Radio Day to raise the level of attention for the celebration, and to encourage other hams to talk about our hobby. Consider creating and offering a commemorative certificate for contacting your special activation. It can be an electronic one as these are cost effective.
Promote your personal World Amateur Radio Day activity(ies) on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag #WorldAmateurRadioDay. Make sure you send it to various clubs, reflectors, and media.
Join us in celebrating World Amateur Radio Day and all the ways amateur radio brings us together!
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : March 2022
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
I am hoping that spring is right a round the corner. It will be time to get out check those antennas and see how they have fared out from the winter snow and cold weather. Many clubs have returned to in person meetings and events. This is a welcome change. There many groups planning on Foxhunts, Hamfests and getting back together for social events. Field Day also looks promising this year. Don’t forget to order your Field Day shirts and gear now. This year’s logo looks great.
Remember to subscribe to the ARRL Club newsletter online to see what other clubs are doing around the world.
I have also noticed quite a lot of Parks on the Air Activations. It’s really a great idea to get out to a park and activate it on the air. If you hear someone calling on the radio try to make a contact with them. For more information go to : https://parksontheair.com
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12 - 13
ARRL Life Member Courtney Duncan, N5BF, will be the keynote speaker for the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on Saturday, March 12, in the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo auditorium. The semi-annual virtual ham radio gathering will be live on March 12 - 13.
This edition of the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will showcase a wide range of topics with appeal to newcomers and veterans alike. It’s a chance to update your amateur radio knowledge and get exposed to cutting edge ham radio technology as well as practical operating and building techniques. Like a live ham radio convention or hamfest, the Expo has presentations, exhibits, and state-of-the-art “lounges” for face-to-face interaction among participants. Because it’s a virtual event, you don’t have to pick and choose which presentations you can attend. You can watch any one of them within 30 days of the Expo as well as explore exhibitor offerings from the comfort of your computer or other device.
Grants
Lots of interest has been raised on the new grant programs that are available to organizations today. There is also a bit of confusion about just what some of them are and what the differences are. Let's look at the details of the three major programs.
Grants are a great way to fund small and large projects that your club might be interested in. Spend a few minutes to look over the websites and talk with your club. This is a valuable resource that clubs can use to build amateur radio's future in an ever-changing technology world.
ARRL Foundation Grants
These grants are awarded by the ARRL Foundation to organizations promoting amateur radio. The maximum grant is $3000, and the specific uses of the funds are restricted to specific projects. The details of just what you can use the money for and how to apply are on the ARRL website at Amateur Radio Grants (www.arrl.org). There are specific times during the year to apply, and all the information is on the website.
ARRL Club Grant Program
This program is new and still in development having just been announced in January around the time of the ARRL Board of Directors meeting. This program will allow clubs to apply for up to $25,000 for specific projects. The details of how the funding can be used and how to apply have not been announced yet. Stay tuned for more information.
ARDC Grants
These grants are awarded by the Amateur Radio Digital Communications Grant Program and are not managed by ARRL. There is no maximum for the grants and full details can be found at the ARDC website at Apply for a Grant Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ampr.org). There are specific dates to apply and requirements for the groups that wish to apply.
There will be more information these programs in the near future. Start thinking about what your club can do and apply for a grant.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
I am hoping that spring is right a round the corner. It will be time to get out check those antennas and see how they have fared out from the winter snow and cold weather. Many clubs have returned to in person meetings and events. This is a welcome change. There many groups planning on Foxhunts, Hamfests and getting back together for social events. Field Day also looks promising this year. Don’t forget to order your Field Day shirts and gear now. This year’s logo looks great.
Remember to subscribe to the ARRL Club newsletter online to see what other clubs are doing around the world.
I have also noticed quite a lot of Parks on the Air Activations. It’s really a great idea to get out to a park and activate it on the air. If you hear someone calling on the radio try to make a contact with them. For more information go to : https://parksontheair.com
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12 - 13
ARRL Life Member Courtney Duncan, N5BF, will be the keynote speaker for the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on Saturday, March 12, in the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo auditorium. The semi-annual virtual ham radio gathering will be live on March 12 - 13.
This edition of the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will showcase a wide range of topics with appeal to newcomers and veterans alike. It’s a chance to update your amateur radio knowledge and get exposed to cutting edge ham radio technology as well as practical operating and building techniques. Like a live ham radio convention or hamfest, the Expo has presentations, exhibits, and state-of-the-art “lounges” for face-to-face interaction among participants. Because it’s a virtual event, you don’t have to pick and choose which presentations you can attend. You can watch any one of them within 30 days of the Expo as well as explore exhibitor offerings from the comfort of your computer or other device.
Grants
Lots of interest has been raised on the new grant programs that are available to organizations today. There is also a bit of confusion about just what some of them are and what the differences are. Let's look at the details of the three major programs.
Grants are a great way to fund small and large projects that your club might be interested in. Spend a few minutes to look over the websites and talk with your club. This is a valuable resource that clubs can use to build amateur radio's future in an ever-changing technology world.
ARRL Foundation Grants
These grants are awarded by the ARRL Foundation to organizations promoting amateur radio. The maximum grant is $3000, and the specific uses of the funds are restricted to specific projects. The details of just what you can use the money for and how to apply are on the ARRL website at Amateur Radio Grants (www.arrl.org). There are specific times during the year to apply, and all the information is on the website.
ARRL Club Grant Program
This program is new and still in development having just been announced in January around the time of the ARRL Board of Directors meeting. This program will allow clubs to apply for up to $25,000 for specific projects. The details of how the funding can be used and how to apply have not been announced yet. Stay tuned for more information.
ARDC Grants
These grants are awarded by the Amateur Radio Digital Communications Grant Program and are not managed by ARRL. There is no maximum for the grants and full details can be found at the ARDC website at Apply for a Grant Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ampr.org). There are specific dates to apply and requirements for the groups that wish to apply.
There will be more information these programs in the near future. Start thinking about what your club can do and apply for a grant.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : February 2022
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
As February rolls in it looks like we are in for cold spell. I hope you all have plenty of heat in their shacks. There are few contests that are going on as well as State QSO Parties. These are good events to participate in. You don’t’ have to be competitive, it’s just good to get on the air and make a few contacts. Remember the Special Event Stations that are also on the air. Check out QST for the list of stations wand when they will be operating.
ARRL Learning Center
The ARRL has revised the Learning Center Website. There are many free courses you can take depending on your interest. Do you want to upgrade your license? There are courses for that. Are you interested in Emergency Communications? There are courses for that. If you are interested in Electronics and Technology check out the courses in that area. Even beginners have courses for getting on the air.
Discover how to make Amateur Radio your own. As one of ARRL’s member benefits, this online learning environment is designed to help you get the most out of your license. Get active: Take online courses, featuring activities and video tutorials created by ARRL approved experts. Get involved : Use course work and resources to improve your knowledge and skills. Get on the air: Put what you learn to work with help from the ARRL community. Go to https://learn.arrl.org and check out the new courses.
ARRL Foundation to Create Club Grants Program
A new ARRL Foundation Club Grants (http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation) program, funded by a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC - https://www.ampr.org), will make $500,000 available to radio clubs. The program will provide up to $25,000 for worthy club projects. Requests for more than that will be referred back to ARDC.
ARRL has long recognized that it is in the best interests of amateur radio to encourage and support amateur radio clubs. Clubs historically have recruited, licensed, and trained new radio amateurs and have provided the community setting for radio amateurs to continue their education and training. The new Club Grants program will help clubs more easily provide and expand their important services.
Beginning in April 2022, amateur radio clubs will be able to apply for these grants by filling out a simple form on the ARRL website. The ARRL Foundation will evaluate the grant proposals. The Foundation was established in 1973 to advance the art, science, and societal benefits of the Amateur Radio Service by awarding financial grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations in support of their charitable, educational, and scientific efforts.
A key criterion for determining awards will be how the project will advance amateur radio in the grantee's community. In most cases, this process should take no longer than 90 days. ARRL Foundation President David Woolweaver, K5RAV, shared his enthusiasm about this new program. "This program will substantially contribute to the growth of amateur radio clubs and their efforts to expand and support the amateur radio community," he said.
ARDC is a California-based foundation and makes grants to projects and organizations that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital communication science. ARDC Executive Director Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, noted that this program will streamline the process for getting club projects funded, so that clubs can get started on these projects more quickly.
"We're very excited about working with the ARRL Foundation on this program," said Schechter. "We can't wait to see what kinds of creative things clubs will do with these grants." All of the details of application and criteria are still being developed at this time. Please watch for further details to be released as the program is finalized. - Thanks to ARDC
Electronically File Exam Session Documents for Quicker Service
After the session has concluded, VE teams can upload in-person documents or remote video session files via ARRL VEC's secure web page (program service option since 2018).
New and upgraded licenses are issued within 1 to 2 business days for weekend sessions and are usually issued on the same day for weekday sessions.
Please contact the VEC (vec@arrl.org) department for the information and instructions on electronically filing exam session documents through our upload page. Authorized VEs will be sent the upload page URL which, is hidden from the public.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
As February rolls in it looks like we are in for cold spell. I hope you all have plenty of heat in their shacks. There are few contests that are going on as well as State QSO Parties. These are good events to participate in. You don’t’ have to be competitive, it’s just good to get on the air and make a few contacts. Remember the Special Event Stations that are also on the air. Check out QST for the list of stations wand when they will be operating.
ARRL Learning Center
The ARRL has revised the Learning Center Website. There are many free courses you can take depending on your interest. Do you want to upgrade your license? There are courses for that. Are you interested in Emergency Communications? There are courses for that. If you are interested in Electronics and Technology check out the courses in that area. Even beginners have courses for getting on the air.
Discover how to make Amateur Radio your own. As one of ARRL’s member benefits, this online learning environment is designed to help you get the most out of your license. Get active: Take online courses, featuring activities and video tutorials created by ARRL approved experts. Get involved : Use course work and resources to improve your knowledge and skills. Get on the air: Put what you learn to work with help from the ARRL community. Go to https://learn.arrl.org and check out the new courses.
ARRL Foundation to Create Club Grants Program
A new ARRL Foundation Club Grants (http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation) program, funded by a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC - https://www.ampr.org), will make $500,000 available to radio clubs. The program will provide up to $25,000 for worthy club projects. Requests for more than that will be referred back to ARDC.
ARRL has long recognized that it is in the best interests of amateur radio to encourage and support amateur radio clubs. Clubs historically have recruited, licensed, and trained new radio amateurs and have provided the community setting for radio amateurs to continue their education and training. The new Club Grants program will help clubs more easily provide and expand their important services.
Beginning in April 2022, amateur radio clubs will be able to apply for these grants by filling out a simple form on the ARRL website. The ARRL Foundation will evaluate the grant proposals. The Foundation was established in 1973 to advance the art, science, and societal benefits of the Amateur Radio Service by awarding financial grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations in support of their charitable, educational, and scientific efforts.
A key criterion for determining awards will be how the project will advance amateur radio in the grantee's community. In most cases, this process should take no longer than 90 days. ARRL Foundation President David Woolweaver, K5RAV, shared his enthusiasm about this new program. "This program will substantially contribute to the growth of amateur radio clubs and their efforts to expand and support the amateur radio community," he said.
ARDC is a California-based foundation and makes grants to projects and organizations that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital communication science. ARDC Executive Director Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, noted that this program will streamline the process for getting club projects funded, so that clubs can get started on these projects more quickly.
"We're very excited about working with the ARRL Foundation on this program," said Schechter. "We can't wait to see what kinds of creative things clubs will do with these grants." All of the details of application and criteria are still being developed at this time. Please watch for further details to be released as the program is finalized. - Thanks to ARDC
Electronically File Exam Session Documents for Quicker Service
After the session has concluded, VE teams can upload in-person documents or remote video session files via ARRL VEC's secure web page (program service option since 2018).
New and upgraded licenses are issued within 1 to 2 business days for weekend sessions and are usually issued on the same day for weekday sessions.
Please contact the VEC (vec@arrl.org) department for the information and instructions on electronically filing exam session documents through our upload page. Authorized VEs will be sent the upload page URL which, is hidden from the public.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : January 2022
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope this is the beginning of a happy and healthy New Year. There should be many improvements coming from the ARRL this year. As they roll out, I will let you know. Many clubs have been able to meet in person again, I hope this will continue. Remember to check out the ARRL Club Newsletter for club happenings around the country.
Hurricane Watch Net Recorded 300 On-Air Hours in 2021
Hurricane Watch Net (HWN - http://www.hwn.org) Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, says 2021 was the third most-active hurricane season on record in terms of named storms, and was the sixth consecutive above-normal season. “We’ve completed another hurricane season. The Atlantic basin was extremely busy again for 2021,” Graves told HWN members. “For the year, we had 21 named storms, seven of which became hurricanes, and four of those became major hurricanes - Category 3 or stronger.”
Graves noted that 2021 marked the first year on record that two consecutive hurricane seasons exhausted the list of 21 storm names. Go to http://www.arrl.org/news/hurricane-watch-net-recorded-300-on-air-hours-in-2021 for more information.
I would like to wish all the Clubs a successful 2022. Please encourage more people to join your club. Make sure you take the time to help the new members get involved and help them experience this great hobby.
I hope to get around and visit as many clubs as possible this year. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance at n2xw@arrl.net
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope this is the beginning of a happy and healthy New Year. There should be many improvements coming from the ARRL this year. As they roll out, I will let you know. Many clubs have been able to meet in person again, I hope this will continue. Remember to check out the ARRL Club Newsletter for club happenings around the country.
Hurricane Watch Net Recorded 300 On-Air Hours in 2021
Hurricane Watch Net (HWN - http://www.hwn.org) Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, says 2021 was the third most-active hurricane season on record in terms of named storms, and was the sixth consecutive above-normal season. “We’ve completed another hurricane season. The Atlantic basin was extremely busy again for 2021,” Graves told HWN members. “For the year, we had 21 named storms, seven of which became hurricanes, and four of those became major hurricanes - Category 3 or stronger.”
Graves noted that 2021 marked the first year on record that two consecutive hurricane seasons exhausted the list of 21 storm names. Go to http://www.arrl.org/news/hurricane-watch-net-recorded-300-on-air-hours-in-2021 for more information.
I would like to wish all the Clubs a successful 2022. Please encourage more people to join your club. Make sure you take the time to help the new members get involved and help them experience this great hobby.
I hope to get around and visit as many clubs as possible this year. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance at n2xw@arrl.net
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : December 2021 - Part 2
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now its time to think about Christmas. I hope you all get a little something Ham-Radio related for Christmas.
ARRL Club Newsletter
On Tuesday November 23rd the ARRL published the ARRL Club Newsletter. The last time that this newsletter was published was December 2009. Some folks over the years have made the comment that clubs are dead. That is not the sentiment of today's ARRL leadership. Clubs are an essential part of the success of our organization, and we want to help them in any way that we can. Progress is often a challenge for many folks, and the way to help them with that is most often communication. If we know what is happening, we have the chance to adjust as we go. The best way for us to move forward together is to communicate from Headquarters to the field and for the field to have a way to communicate to ask questions and get answers from us. This newsletter will highlight some of the great things that clubs are doing. We want your feedback, and we want to know how your club is dealing with an ever-changing world. Let us know. Send your feedback to clubs@arrl.org (Mike Walters W8ZY).
Make sure your club is sending a copy of your newsletter to clubs@arrl.org. Congratulations to the South Jersey Radio Association in having one of your newsletter articles published in the first edition.
Skywarn Recognition Day
Skywarn Recognition Day will be Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 0000z to 2400z. Check out the Skywarn Recognition Day website for more information on how to participate. https://www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition (Dennis Dura K2DCD)
Amateur Radio Test Prep Classes Set to Begin
It’s been in the planning stages for a while now, but we are finally ready to announce the start date of the GCARC FCC License Test Preparation Classes. The program, which will be headed up by Chris Prioli AD2CS, is slated to begin on Monday January 3, 2022 with a Technician class. The General class will start on Tuesday January 4, 2022, with the Amateur Extra class firing up that same week, on Friday January 7, 2022. Each class will run for eight weeks, making the finish dates for the inaugural class February 28, March 1, and March 4. This is no coincidence, as the scheduled GCARC VE FCC Exam Session is Thursday, March 10, 2022.
Classes will run, as was already stated, for eight weeks, seven of which will be instructional in nature, and the eighth week being a student-driven review session. Chris AD2CS will be the lead instructor and will be ably assisted by Gary N2QEE, Chuck WA2TML, and Jim N2GXJ. All of these instructors hold Amateur Extra licenses. From time to time, there may be some specific topic help provided by other Club members.
Class times will be confirmed as the start date draws nearer, but you can expect the sessions to run 2-1/2 to 3 hours, and generally starting at 1830 Hours. Breaks will be provided during the sessions.
The student cost for the class is a modest $15.00. Every student will receive a copy of an excellent exam prep study guidebook (valued at about $20) as well as an electronic copy of the applicable question pool. It is recommended that the student bring a flash drive to the first class onto which the study guide question pool will be loaded. There will also be assorted classroom handouts provided to enhance learning. Every student is encouraged to bring a notebook, pens, pencils, and to be prepared to take some notes.
The classes are open to anyone with an interest in getting licensed as a ham radio operator or who is looking to upgrade an existing license. The sessions will be held in the W2MMD Clubhouse at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds on NJ Route 77 in Mullica Hill, NJ. Students who successfully complete the program will be issued a Certificate of Achievement for having done so.
Interested individuals, or anyone who needs more information should reach out to Chris Prioli AD2CS at 1-856-689-6783 or at ad2cs@arrl.net.
Lastly Best Wishes to everyone for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. Looking forward to a New Year with good propagation and many Amateur Radio contacts. (N2XW)
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now its time to think about Christmas. I hope you all get a little something Ham-Radio related for Christmas.
ARRL Club Newsletter
On Tuesday November 23rd the ARRL published the ARRL Club Newsletter. The last time that this newsletter was published was December 2009. Some folks over the years have made the comment that clubs are dead. That is not the sentiment of today's ARRL leadership. Clubs are an essential part of the success of our organization, and we want to help them in any way that we can. Progress is often a challenge for many folks, and the way to help them with that is most often communication. If we know what is happening, we have the chance to adjust as we go. The best way for us to move forward together is to communicate from Headquarters to the field and for the field to have a way to communicate to ask questions and get answers from us. This newsletter will highlight some of the great things that clubs are doing. We want your feedback, and we want to know how your club is dealing with an ever-changing world. Let us know. Send your feedback to clubs@arrl.org (Mike Walters W8ZY).
Make sure your club is sending a copy of your newsletter to clubs@arrl.org. Congratulations to the South Jersey Radio Association in having one of your newsletter articles published in the first edition.
Skywarn Recognition Day
Skywarn Recognition Day will be Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 0000z to 2400z. Check out the Skywarn Recognition Day website for more information on how to participate. https://www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition (Dennis Dura K2DCD)
Amateur Radio Test Prep Classes Set to Begin
It’s been in the planning stages for a while now, but we are finally ready to announce the start date of the GCARC FCC License Test Preparation Classes. The program, which will be headed up by Chris Prioli AD2CS, is slated to begin on Monday January 3, 2022 with a Technician class. The General class will start on Tuesday January 4, 2022, with the Amateur Extra class firing up that same week, on Friday January 7, 2022. Each class will run for eight weeks, making the finish dates for the inaugural class February 28, March 1, and March 4. This is no coincidence, as the scheduled GCARC VE FCC Exam Session is Thursday, March 10, 2022.
Classes will run, as was already stated, for eight weeks, seven of which will be instructional in nature, and the eighth week being a student-driven review session. Chris AD2CS will be the lead instructor and will be ably assisted by Gary N2QEE, Chuck WA2TML, and Jim N2GXJ. All of these instructors hold Amateur Extra licenses. From time to time, there may be some specific topic help provided by other Club members.
Class times will be confirmed as the start date draws nearer, but you can expect the sessions to run 2-1/2 to 3 hours, and generally starting at 1830 Hours. Breaks will be provided during the sessions.
The student cost for the class is a modest $15.00. Every student will receive a copy of an excellent exam prep study guidebook (valued at about $20) as well as an electronic copy of the applicable question pool. It is recommended that the student bring a flash drive to the first class onto which the study guide question pool will be loaded. There will also be assorted classroom handouts provided to enhance learning. Every student is encouraged to bring a notebook, pens, pencils, and to be prepared to take some notes.
The classes are open to anyone with an interest in getting licensed as a ham radio operator or who is looking to upgrade an existing license. The sessions will be held in the W2MMD Clubhouse at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds on NJ Route 77 in Mullica Hill, NJ. Students who successfully complete the program will be issued a Certificate of Achievement for having done so.
Interested individuals, or anyone who needs more information should reach out to Chris Prioli AD2CS at 1-856-689-6783 or at ad2cs@arrl.net.
Lastly Best Wishes to everyone for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. Looking forward to a New Year with good propagation and many Amateur Radio contacts. (N2XW)
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : December 2021 - Part 1
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
East Coast Amateur Radio Service Offers Support for Amateur Radio-Related Initiatives
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service, Inc (ECARS - http://www.ecars7255.com) has announced that it can provide financial support for worthy amateur radio related initiatives.
“The focus of this grant program (http://www.ecars7255.com/FrontPageLinks/ECARSOrganization/Grants/grants.htm) is to support amateur radio and other non-profit organizations with programs to educate, license and otherwise support amateur radio activities - with emphasis on youth-based projects,” ECARS said.
ECARS routinely supports scholarship grants through the ARRL Foundation and has awarded other grants to organizations for youth programs or for emergency assistance. “We actually get far fewer requests than we have expected from this program,” said ECARS President Vic Klein, WA4THR. Information on applying for an ECARS grant is on the organization’s website. Preference is also given to requests that benefit the ECARS service area and to groups IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.
Grant funds are budgeted for this purpose each year from the ECARS general operating funds or from donations specifically earmarked for the grant fund. The Board of Directors reviews applications quarterly, with awards announced in the first month of the next quarter. Evaluation of received grant applications is scheduled for March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.
Organizations selected will receive a check that is to be applied toward the purpose described in the application, with a report to follow to ECARS that indicates how the funds were used and the results of the program. Photos are welcome, and ECARS will assume that they represent authorization to publish.
ARRL Clubs Newsletter
Work continues on the first edition of the new Clubs Newsletter from the ARRL. Our target is the middle of November so keep an eye out for that. One thing that we ask is that you spread the word to all of the clubs in your section to add clubs@arrl.org to their newsletter distribution list. We will be looking for good stories that can be used in the Clubs Newsletter.
Editor’s Note : CrossTalk will be e-mailed to clubs@arrl.org every month.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
East Coast Amateur Radio Service Offers Support for Amateur Radio-Related Initiatives
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service, Inc (ECARS - http://www.ecars7255.com) has announced that it can provide financial support for worthy amateur radio related initiatives.
“The focus of this grant program (http://www.ecars7255.com/FrontPageLinks/ECARSOrganization/Grants/grants.htm) is to support amateur radio and other non-profit organizations with programs to educate, license and otherwise support amateur radio activities - with emphasis on youth-based projects,” ECARS said.
ECARS routinely supports scholarship grants through the ARRL Foundation and has awarded other grants to organizations for youth programs or for emergency assistance. “We actually get far fewer requests than we have expected from this program,” said ECARS President Vic Klein, WA4THR. Information on applying for an ECARS grant is on the organization’s website. Preference is also given to requests that benefit the ECARS service area and to groups IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.
Grant funds are budgeted for this purpose each year from the ECARS general operating funds or from donations specifically earmarked for the grant fund. The Board of Directors reviews applications quarterly, with awards announced in the first month of the next quarter. Evaluation of received grant applications is scheduled for March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.
Organizations selected will receive a check that is to be applied toward the purpose described in the application, with a report to follow to ECARS that indicates how the funds were used and the results of the program. Photos are welcome, and ECARS will assume that they represent authorization to publish.
ARRL Clubs Newsletter
Work continues on the first edition of the new Clubs Newsletter from the ARRL. Our target is the middle of November so keep an eye out for that. One thing that we ask is that you spread the word to all of the clubs in your section to add clubs@arrl.org to their newsletter distribution list. We will be looking for good stories that can be used in the Clubs Newsletter.
Editor’s Note : CrossTalk will be e-mailed to clubs@arrl.org every month.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : November 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
November looks like a big contest month. The ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS - http://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes) weekends are coming up shortly. The CW weekend is November 6 - 8, while the phone weekend is November 20 - 22. Both events begin on Saturday at 2100 UTC and conclude on Monday at 0259 UTC.
The SS offers operating categories for every preference. The goal for many seasoned SS operators is to complete a "clean sweep" by contacting all 84 ARRL and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Sections.
Some Sections are harder to contact than others. Northern Territories (NT) is always a challenge, but there's a slim chance that snagging NT could be easier this year.
Submit your log, no matter how big or small!
All contest participants, whether they are serious contesters or just casual operators, should submit their log to the contest sponsor. Submitting logs assists the contest sponsor with the scoring of the contest, as QSOs are cross-checked against the logs of stations that are worked. Additionally, contest sponsors allocate resources to contests based upon the total number of logs submitted, assisting them in gauging how much activity there is in each event.
If you do make a few casual contacts in a contest, and do not submit a log, the stations you worked will not be penalized. For example, if you made a few contacts in the contest to "hand out points" to other contesters, your QSOs with them would be considered as "unique." Unique’s are call signs that appear in only a few logs that were submitted by the stations that worked you.
Lastly, you might be surprised at how well you might do in a contest, even if your QSO count is low.
East Coast Amateur Radio Service Offers Support for Amateur Radio-Related Initiatives
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service, Inc (ECARS - http://www.ecars7255.com) has announced that it can provide financial support for worthy amateur radio related initiatives.
“The focus of this grant program (http://www.ecars7255.com/FrontPageLinks/ECARSOrganization/Grants/grants.htm) is to support amateur radio and other non-profit organizations with programs to educate, license and otherwise support amateur radio activities - with emphasis on youth-based projects,” ECARS said.
ECARS routinely supports scholarship grants through the ARRL Foundation and has awarded other grants to organizations for youth programs or for emergency assistance. “We actually get far fewer requests than we have expected from this program,” said ECARS President Vic Klein, WA4THR.
Information on applying for an ECARS grant is on the organization’s website. Preference is also given to requests that benefit the ECARS service area and to groups IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.
Grant funds are budgeted for this purpose each year from the ECARS general operating funds or from donations specifically earmarked for the grant fund. The Board of Directors reviews applications quarterly, with awards announced in the first month of the next quarter. Evaluation of received grant applications is scheduled for March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.
Organizations selected will receive a check that is to be applied toward the purpose described in the application, with a report to follow to ECARS that indicates how the funds were used and the results of the program. Photos are welcome, and ECARS will assume that they represent authorization to publish.
WSJT-X Version 2.5.1 has been Released
The WSJT-X (https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html) development team has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65 to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the general availability release of version 2.5.0.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
November looks like a big contest month. The ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS - http://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes) weekends are coming up shortly. The CW weekend is November 6 - 8, while the phone weekend is November 20 - 22. Both events begin on Saturday at 2100 UTC and conclude on Monday at 0259 UTC.
The SS offers operating categories for every preference. The goal for many seasoned SS operators is to complete a "clean sweep" by contacting all 84 ARRL and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Sections.
Some Sections are harder to contact than others. Northern Territories (NT) is always a challenge, but there's a slim chance that snagging NT could be easier this year.
Submit your log, no matter how big or small!
All contest participants, whether they are serious contesters or just casual operators, should submit their log to the contest sponsor. Submitting logs assists the contest sponsor with the scoring of the contest, as QSOs are cross-checked against the logs of stations that are worked. Additionally, contest sponsors allocate resources to contests based upon the total number of logs submitted, assisting them in gauging how much activity there is in each event.
If you do make a few casual contacts in a contest, and do not submit a log, the stations you worked will not be penalized. For example, if you made a few contacts in the contest to "hand out points" to other contesters, your QSOs with them would be considered as "unique." Unique’s are call signs that appear in only a few logs that were submitted by the stations that worked you.
Lastly, you might be surprised at how well you might do in a contest, even if your QSO count is low.
East Coast Amateur Radio Service Offers Support for Amateur Radio-Related Initiatives
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service, Inc (ECARS - http://www.ecars7255.com) has announced that it can provide financial support for worthy amateur radio related initiatives.
“The focus of this grant program (http://www.ecars7255.com/FrontPageLinks/ECARSOrganization/Grants/grants.htm) is to support amateur radio and other non-profit organizations with programs to educate, license and otherwise support amateur radio activities - with emphasis on youth-based projects,” ECARS said.
ECARS routinely supports scholarship grants through the ARRL Foundation and has awarded other grants to organizations for youth programs or for emergency assistance. “We actually get far fewer requests than we have expected from this program,” said ECARS President Vic Klein, WA4THR.
Information on applying for an ECARS grant is on the organization’s website. Preference is also given to requests that benefit the ECARS service area and to groups IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.
Grant funds are budgeted for this purpose each year from the ECARS general operating funds or from donations specifically earmarked for the grant fund. The Board of Directors reviews applications quarterly, with awards announced in the first month of the next quarter. Evaluation of received grant applications is scheduled for March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.
Organizations selected will receive a check that is to be applied toward the purpose described in the application, with a report to follow to ECARS that indicates how the funds were used and the results of the program. Photos are welcome, and ECARS will assume that they represent authorization to publish.
WSJT-X Version 2.5.1 has been Released
The WSJT-X (https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html) development team has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65 to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the general availability release of version 2.5.0.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : October 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
It was great to meet so many people at the Gloucester County Hamfest/SNJ Convention. I would like to thank the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for putting on another great event. There were so many compliments received by many of the attendees. The turnout was good despite the tornado from the week prior. Thanks again to everyone at Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for your hard work.
The ARRL has begun conducting monthly online meetings for Section Managers. This usually takes place at the end of the month and after I have written the Section News. ARRL members should keep an eye out for updated information via email for the latest ARRL news updates.
I hope many of you were able to participate in the NJ QSO Party. I did hear that there were quite a few stations on the air. Some people were reporting some pretty high scores. We will have to see what the results show. Thanks to the Burlington County Radio Club for sponsoring this event.
For anyone interested the 2021 Virtual National Hurricane Conference Amateur Radio Workshop that was held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, it is posted on YouTube. It can be seen at the following link :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ecZRKVgIG0. In the interest of time to get this posted on YouTube since it has been several months since the conference, it is one long workshop video of 4 hours and 8 minutes but in the description of the video, they provide the rough start time for each of the workshop topics. It should be useful to anyone in the coastal areas that are threatened by tropical systems each year.
Registration Opens for USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships
Registration is now open for the 2021 USA and IARU Region 2 Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), set for October 13 - 17, 2021. Competition venues will be near Asheboro, North Carolina. Postponed from 2020, these championships will be conducted in accordance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
“The USA ARDF Championships are an ideal opportunity to watch and learn from the best radio-orienteers in the US,” said ARRL ARDF Co-coordinator Charles Scharlau, NZ0I. “Winners who qualify by citizenship or residence may be selected for positions on ARDF Team USA, which will travel to Serbia for the 2022 ARDF World Championships.”
Check this website for more information : https://backwoodsok.org/us-2021-ardf-champs-bulletin-one.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
It was great to meet so many people at the Gloucester County Hamfest/SNJ Convention. I would like to thank the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for putting on another great event. There were so many compliments received by many of the attendees. The turnout was good despite the tornado from the week prior. Thanks again to everyone at Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for your hard work.
The ARRL has begun conducting monthly online meetings for Section Managers. This usually takes place at the end of the month and after I have written the Section News. ARRL members should keep an eye out for updated information via email for the latest ARRL news updates.
I hope many of you were able to participate in the NJ QSO Party. I did hear that there were quite a few stations on the air. Some people were reporting some pretty high scores. We will have to see what the results show. Thanks to the Burlington County Radio Club for sponsoring this event.
For anyone interested the 2021 Virtual National Hurricane Conference Amateur Radio Workshop that was held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, it is posted on YouTube. It can be seen at the following link :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ecZRKVgIG0. In the interest of time to get this posted on YouTube since it has been several months since the conference, it is one long workshop video of 4 hours and 8 minutes but in the description of the video, they provide the rough start time for each of the workshop topics. It should be useful to anyone in the coastal areas that are threatened by tropical systems each year.
Registration Opens for USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships
Registration is now open for the 2021 USA and IARU Region 2 Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), set for October 13 - 17, 2021. Competition venues will be near Asheboro, North Carolina. Postponed from 2020, these championships will be conducted in accordance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
“The USA ARDF Championships are an ideal opportunity to watch and learn from the best radio-orienteers in the US,” said ARRL ARDF Co-coordinator Charles Scharlau, NZ0I. “Winners who qualify by citizenship or residence may be selected for positions on ARDF Team USA, which will travel to Serbia for the 2022 ARDF World Championships.”
Check this website for more information : https://backwoodsok.org/us-2021-ardf-champs-bulletin-one.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : September 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
September is here and Fall is just around the corner. There was a lot going on in August. Fires out West, Hurricanes passing along the coast, and many hot and humid days. Keep a watch out for more hurricane activity as we are still in the peak of the season during September. Also let us take time to remember the Silent Keys in Southern New Jersey. I have received many reports of Silent Keys from many clubs. It is sad to see them go, but please remember them by continuing to promote Amateur Radio.
The big news for the Southern New Jersey Section is the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest and Southern New Jersey Section Convention. It will be held on September 12, 2021 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill. Admission is $10 and doors open at 8 AM. Atlantic Division Director Tom Abernethy W3TOM will be there and be speaking in the morning. There are also many other good presentations planned. For more information go to their website : www.w2mmd.org.
Also mark your calendars for the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET). ARRL SNJ Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine WB2ALJ has been busy working with a planning committee to come up with plans for this year’s exercise. The SET will take place on Saturday October 2, 2021. Contact Tom wb2alj@arrl.net for more information.
The NJ QSO Party will take place on September 18, 2021 from Noon till 11:59pm EDT. The contest is sponsored by the Burlington County Radio Club K2TD. Check out more information at : http://www.k2td-bcrc.org/njqp/index.html. Hope to hear a lot of South Jersey on the air that afternoon.
FCC Application Fees Unlikely to Go into Effect Until 2022
The schedule of FCC amateur radio application fees likely will not go into effect before 2022. FCC staff confirmed during a recent virtual meeting with Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) that the agency is still working on the necessary changes to the Universal Licensing System (ULS) software and other processes and procedures that must be in place before it starts collecting fees from amateur applicants. Earlier this year, the FCC said it would not start collecting fees from amateur applicants before this Summer. The new estimate is that the fees won't go into effect until early next year.
Once it's effective, the $35 application fee will apply to new, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call sign applications. All fees will be per application. Administrative update applications, such as those to change a licensee's name, mailing, or email address, will be exempt from fees. ARRL VEC manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not face the burden of collecting the $35 fee.
"Once the FCC application fee takes effect, new and upgrade applicants will pay the exam session fee to the VE team as usual, but they'll pay the $35 application fee directly to the FCC using the FCC Pay Fees system," she explained. When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, it will email a link with payment instructions to each successful candidate who then will have 10 days from the date of the email to pay.
After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed an application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license. The link will be good for 30 days. Licensees also will be able to view, download, and print official license copies by logging into their FCC ULS account. The FCC no longer provides printed licenses.
ARRL Now Provides Free RF Exposure Calculator
The FCC has adopted guidelines and procedures for evaluating environmental effects of RF emissions. Under the new FCC rules, some amateurs need to perform routine station evaluations to ensure that their stations comply with the RF exposure rules. This can be as simple as running an online calculator to determine the minimum safe distance between any part of your antenna and areas where people might be exposed to RF energy from your station. Although amateurs can make measurements of their stations, evaluations can also be done by calculation.
The FCC guidelines already incorporate two tiers of exposure limits based on whether exposure occurs in an occupational or “controlled” situation, or whether the general population is exposed or exposure is in an “uncontrolled” situation. To make this easy for amateurs, ARRL now provides an RF Exposure Calculator on its RF Exposure page http://arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator.
To use the calculator, enter your transmit peak-envelope power (PEP) and operating mode, and answer the questions about the maximum amount of time you might be transmitting. The calculator will give you the minimum distance people must be from your antenna and human exposure. You can print the results and keep them in your station records. There is no requirement to send your results to the FCC.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
September is here and Fall is just around the corner. There was a lot going on in August. Fires out West, Hurricanes passing along the coast, and many hot and humid days. Keep a watch out for more hurricane activity as we are still in the peak of the season during September. Also let us take time to remember the Silent Keys in Southern New Jersey. I have received many reports of Silent Keys from many clubs. It is sad to see them go, but please remember them by continuing to promote Amateur Radio.
The big news for the Southern New Jersey Section is the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest and Southern New Jersey Section Convention. It will be held on September 12, 2021 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill. Admission is $10 and doors open at 8 AM. Atlantic Division Director Tom Abernethy W3TOM will be there and be speaking in the morning. There are also many other good presentations planned. For more information go to their website : www.w2mmd.org.
Also mark your calendars for the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET). ARRL SNJ Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine WB2ALJ has been busy working with a planning committee to come up with plans for this year’s exercise. The SET will take place on Saturday October 2, 2021. Contact Tom wb2alj@arrl.net for more information.
The NJ QSO Party will take place on September 18, 2021 from Noon till 11:59pm EDT. The contest is sponsored by the Burlington County Radio Club K2TD. Check out more information at : http://www.k2td-bcrc.org/njqp/index.html. Hope to hear a lot of South Jersey on the air that afternoon.
FCC Application Fees Unlikely to Go into Effect Until 2022
The schedule of FCC amateur radio application fees likely will not go into effect before 2022. FCC staff confirmed during a recent virtual meeting with Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) that the agency is still working on the necessary changes to the Universal Licensing System (ULS) software and other processes and procedures that must be in place before it starts collecting fees from amateur applicants. Earlier this year, the FCC said it would not start collecting fees from amateur applicants before this Summer. The new estimate is that the fees won't go into effect until early next year.
Once it's effective, the $35 application fee will apply to new, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call sign applications. All fees will be per application. Administrative update applications, such as those to change a licensee's name, mailing, or email address, will be exempt from fees. ARRL VEC manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not face the burden of collecting the $35 fee.
"Once the FCC application fee takes effect, new and upgrade applicants will pay the exam session fee to the VE team as usual, but they'll pay the $35 application fee directly to the FCC using the FCC Pay Fees system," she explained. When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC, it will email a link with payment instructions to each successful candidate who then will have 10 days from the date of the email to pay.
After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed an application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license. The link will be good for 30 days. Licensees also will be able to view, download, and print official license copies by logging into their FCC ULS account. The FCC no longer provides printed licenses.
ARRL Now Provides Free RF Exposure Calculator
The FCC has adopted guidelines and procedures for evaluating environmental effects of RF emissions. Under the new FCC rules, some amateurs need to perform routine station evaluations to ensure that their stations comply with the RF exposure rules. This can be as simple as running an online calculator to determine the minimum safe distance between any part of your antenna and areas where people might be exposed to RF energy from your station. Although amateurs can make measurements of their stations, evaluations can also be done by calculation.
The FCC guidelines already incorporate two tiers of exposure limits based on whether exposure occurs in an occupational or “controlled” situation, or whether the general population is exposed or exposure is in an “uncontrolled” situation. To make this easy for amateurs, ARRL now provides an RF Exposure Calculator on its RF Exposure page http://arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator.
To use the calculator, enter your transmit peak-envelope power (PEP) and operating mode, and answer the questions about the maximum amount of time you might be transmitting. The calculator will give you the minimum distance people must be from your antenna and human exposure. You can print the results and keep them in your station records. There is no requirement to send your results to the FCC.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : July 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Field Day Successful
Field Day was very successful through out Southern New Jersey. Many clubs were outside and had stations set up. It was good to see everyone interacting with each other and I had a good time talking with everyone. There is so much expertise in so many areas of amateur radio to be found in our area. Whatever your interests are I am sure you can find it at one or more of the clubs in South Jersey.
There were new hams that were getting involved as well as those who had been away from the hobby for a while. Both Tom Devine WB2ALJ, Section EC and myself made visits to almost all of the cubs that were outside and participating. Thank you to all for welcoming us at each site. I am proud of our section for the outstanding performance on Field Day.
Revitalization of Field Services with New Organization
The Field Services that ARRL HQ provides to its member-volunteers is now in the spotlight with a reorganization and a fresh start to Section Manager and Affiliated Club engagement!
The backbone of ARRL, and the Amateur Radio Service, is the expansive field organization of volunteers. This is especially true of our Board members, our "first among peers," who provide leadership to this vast network of engaged volunteers.
During a marathon series of Zoom calls on Wednesday, June 9 with ARRL Section Managers and most ARRL Board members in attendance, the restructuring of the Field Services organization at HQ was announced.
Bob Naumann, W5OV, who has a lifetime of experience as a radio amateur from contesting, to public service, to working with a number of well-known industry retailers, is now serving as the Director of Operations following the retirement of Norm Fusaro, W3IZ. Mike Walters, W8ZY, who has been involved with field volunteers for many years and is currently the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) for Connecticut, is now serving as the Field Services Manager. Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, who was managing Field Services, remains responsible for Radiosport and is also taking on the role of Regulatory & Advocacy following the retirement of Dan Henderson, N1ND. The meetings went on to discuss the focus the ARRL Board has placed on Field Services, working to create a new standing committee to oversee its revitalization and growth. Also discussed were the initiatives being undertaken with Section Managers to foster collaboration, share content, undertake projects, and set expectations.
The first project will be a focused census that a dozen Section Managers across the country will be driving with local clubs to understand the disparity between the ever-growing number of licensed hams versus the unchanging number of active hams.
We are very excited to turn the page and begin this new chapter for Field Services, and to continue forward with our digital transformation of ARRL.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Field Day Successful
Field Day was very successful through out Southern New Jersey. Many clubs were outside and had stations set up. It was good to see everyone interacting with each other and I had a good time talking with everyone. There is so much expertise in so many areas of amateur radio to be found in our area. Whatever your interests are I am sure you can find it at one or more of the clubs in South Jersey.
There were new hams that were getting involved as well as those who had been away from the hobby for a while. Both Tom Devine WB2ALJ, Section EC and myself made visits to almost all of the cubs that were outside and participating. Thank you to all for welcoming us at each site. I am proud of our section for the outstanding performance on Field Day.
Revitalization of Field Services with New Organization
The Field Services that ARRL HQ provides to its member-volunteers is now in the spotlight with a reorganization and a fresh start to Section Manager and Affiliated Club engagement!
The backbone of ARRL, and the Amateur Radio Service, is the expansive field organization of volunteers. This is especially true of our Board members, our "first among peers," who provide leadership to this vast network of engaged volunteers.
During a marathon series of Zoom calls on Wednesday, June 9 with ARRL Section Managers and most ARRL Board members in attendance, the restructuring of the Field Services organization at HQ was announced.
Bob Naumann, W5OV, who has a lifetime of experience as a radio amateur from contesting, to public service, to working with a number of well-known industry retailers, is now serving as the Director of Operations following the retirement of Norm Fusaro, W3IZ. Mike Walters, W8ZY, who has been involved with field volunteers for many years and is currently the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) for Connecticut, is now serving as the Field Services Manager. Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, who was managing Field Services, remains responsible for Radiosport and is also taking on the role of Regulatory & Advocacy following the retirement of Dan Henderson, N1ND. The meetings went on to discuss the focus the ARRL Board has placed on Field Services, working to create a new standing committee to oversee its revitalization and growth. Also discussed were the initiatives being undertaken with Section Managers to foster collaboration, share content, undertake projects, and set expectations.
The first project will be a focused census that a dozen Section Managers across the country will be driving with local clubs to understand the disparity between the ever-growing number of licensed hams versus the unchanging number of active hams.
We are very excited to turn the page and begin this new chapter for Field Services, and to continue forward with our digital transformation of ARRL.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : June 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Field Day is just around the corner. Many clubs will be having Field Day out in the field, which is good to hear. Myself and Tom Devine WB2ALJ SNJ Emergency Coordinator will be visiting those clubs that are participating. Remember you can get extra points by sending a message to the Section Manager. This can be done via radiogram through a traffic net or try sending an email via Winlink. I am looking forward to hearing from as many of the clubs as possible.
Congratulations to Bob Schenck N2OO who was part of a documentary on PBS. For more than 80 years, investigators have tried to figure out what caused the spark that led to the Hindenburg going up in flames as it prepared to land at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in 1937.
"Hindenburg : The New Evidence" will be available for streaming online, according to the network. The new look at the May 6, 1937, disaster was prompted by a conversation at the 80th anniversary commemoration outside Hangar One of the fires and crash that killed 35 people on board and one person on the ground. Dan Grossman, a renowned expert on airships including Hindenburg, was approached at the commemoration by Robert Schenck, a New Jersey resident whose uncle, Harold N. Schenck, had filmed the disaster. Though Harold Schenck tried to share his amateur film - which shows the disaster from a different angle than the newsreel films - with government investigators at the time, it was largely overlooked, his nephew says in the "Nova" film.
The "Nova" documentary not only shares the footage, which provided new clues to re-examine the cause of the explosion, but the scientific experiments that helped investigators come to a fresh understanding of what set off the fire.
The original investigations into the Hindenburg crash concluded the fire was a result of leaking hydrogen ignited by a spark, but no one had been able to determine what caused the spark. Eyewitness accounts suggested the fire started near the tail of the airship, but supporting evidence was hard to find until the unseen Schenck footage was examined. Newsreel recordings of the disaster begin after the fire is well underway, and most physical evidence was destroyed immediately in the blaze.
Grossman has the footage authenticated as part of the investigation. "Thanks to this stunning new footage, we were able to revive a cold case investigation surrounding one of the most iconic disasters of the 20th century," said Gary Tarpinian, the film's executive producer. Definitely a story worth watching.
CONGRATS TO VOLUNTEER DAVE BURGESS WA2TVS ON WINNING THE ANNUAL JASON HALL AWARD
The annual Jason Hall Award was awarded to volunteer Dave Burgess WA2TVS during the Battleship NJ's annual Volunteer Lunch on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Dave, a Navy veteran, has volunteered with his wife, Margaret, on the Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station (BNJARS) since March 2001. Dave, a founding member of BNJARS and the Chief Engineer with the station, has also coordinated the Museum Ships Weekend for the Battleship, which joins over 100 museum ships in this annual radio event. More recently, Dave coordinated efforts to get the air search radar at the very top of the Battleship to come to life. The radar now continuously spins every day.
The annual Jason Hall Award is presented to an outstanding volunteer who went over and above to help the ship. Jason Hall was the Battleship's Curator, who succumbed to cancer several years ago.
HAMFESTS ARE BACK
On July 3,2021 - Firecracker Hamfest, ARRL Pennsylvania State Convention. Location: Harrisburg, Sponsor : Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club. Website : http://www.w3uu.org
Mark your calendars for the SNJ Section Convention and 43rd Annual Hamfest, Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds. http://www.w2mmd.org
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Field Day is just around the corner. Many clubs will be having Field Day out in the field, which is good to hear. Myself and Tom Devine WB2ALJ SNJ Emergency Coordinator will be visiting those clubs that are participating. Remember you can get extra points by sending a message to the Section Manager. This can be done via radiogram through a traffic net or try sending an email via Winlink. I am looking forward to hearing from as many of the clubs as possible.
Congratulations to Bob Schenck N2OO who was part of a documentary on PBS. For more than 80 years, investigators have tried to figure out what caused the spark that led to the Hindenburg going up in flames as it prepared to land at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in 1937.
"Hindenburg : The New Evidence" will be available for streaming online, according to the network. The new look at the May 6, 1937, disaster was prompted by a conversation at the 80th anniversary commemoration outside Hangar One of the fires and crash that killed 35 people on board and one person on the ground. Dan Grossman, a renowned expert on airships including Hindenburg, was approached at the commemoration by Robert Schenck, a New Jersey resident whose uncle, Harold N. Schenck, had filmed the disaster. Though Harold Schenck tried to share his amateur film - which shows the disaster from a different angle than the newsreel films - with government investigators at the time, it was largely overlooked, his nephew says in the "Nova" film.
The "Nova" documentary not only shares the footage, which provided new clues to re-examine the cause of the explosion, but the scientific experiments that helped investigators come to a fresh understanding of what set off the fire.
The original investigations into the Hindenburg crash concluded the fire was a result of leaking hydrogen ignited by a spark, but no one had been able to determine what caused the spark. Eyewitness accounts suggested the fire started near the tail of the airship, but supporting evidence was hard to find until the unseen Schenck footage was examined. Newsreel recordings of the disaster begin after the fire is well underway, and most physical evidence was destroyed immediately in the blaze.
Grossman has the footage authenticated as part of the investigation. "Thanks to this stunning new footage, we were able to revive a cold case investigation surrounding one of the most iconic disasters of the 20th century," said Gary Tarpinian, the film's executive producer. Definitely a story worth watching.
CONGRATS TO VOLUNTEER DAVE BURGESS WA2TVS ON WINNING THE ANNUAL JASON HALL AWARD
The annual Jason Hall Award was awarded to volunteer Dave Burgess WA2TVS during the Battleship NJ's annual Volunteer Lunch on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Dave, a Navy veteran, has volunteered with his wife, Margaret, on the Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station (BNJARS) since March 2001. Dave, a founding member of BNJARS and the Chief Engineer with the station, has also coordinated the Museum Ships Weekend for the Battleship, which joins over 100 museum ships in this annual radio event. More recently, Dave coordinated efforts to get the air search radar at the very top of the Battleship to come to life. The radar now continuously spins every day.
The annual Jason Hall Award is presented to an outstanding volunteer who went over and above to help the ship. Jason Hall was the Battleship's Curator, who succumbed to cancer several years ago.
HAMFESTS ARE BACK
On July 3,2021 - Firecracker Hamfest, ARRL Pennsylvania State Convention. Location: Harrisburg, Sponsor : Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club. Website : http://www.w3uu.org
Mark your calendars for the SNJ Section Convention and 43rd Annual Hamfest, Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds. http://www.w2mmd.org
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : May 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is starting to warm up and time to get outside. Many clubs are beginning to make Field Day plans. Even though the wavier is in place for this year many are planning on having groups getting together for Field Day. I think it is great that they are doing so, just be careful to take proper precautions. Hopefully by the fall many clubs will be able to meet again.
World Amateur Day seems to have been successful. Many operators reported making quite a few contacts. Many clubs are running their own contests so that members can get to participate in one. One example, is from the Burlington County Radio Club. The Club is participating in the State QSO Party Challenge (http://stateqsoparty.com). This is a great way to keep members involved and to get people on the air.
VE Testing is returning in some areas with many people coming out to take exams. There are many new operators taking tests as well as many upgrades. Testing sessions have been very active in Mercer and Ocean Counties.
FCC Issues Enforcement Advisory : Radio Users Again Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes
On April 20, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued a new Enforcement Advisory, repeating the admonishments contained in a January Advisory that no licensee or user of the Amateur or Personal Radio Services may use any radio equipment in connection with unlawful activities of any nature.
The Commission specifically cautioned that individuals found to have used radios in connection with any illegal activity are “subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.”
In addition, licensees should be aware that illegal operation in any service or band, including completely outside the amateur allocations, could potentially disqualify a person from holding any FCC license in any service, not just the Amateur Service.
Any amateur observing a suspicious infraction that might be of illegal or criminal nature should report it to their local law enforcement office or the FBI.
2021 Contest University Announces Speaker Line-Up
The 2021 Contest University (CTU), held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention® starting at 1300 UTC on May 20, has announced its roster of speakers. The live ZOOM webinar event is free. Registration opens on April 21. Talks will run for 45 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session. More information is on the CTU website. The 2021 virtual Contest University will be recorded and available on YouTube following the event. - Thanks to CTU Chair Tim Duffy, K3LR
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
The weather is starting to warm up and time to get outside. Many clubs are beginning to make Field Day plans. Even though the wavier is in place for this year many are planning on having groups getting together for Field Day. I think it is great that they are doing so, just be careful to take proper precautions. Hopefully by the fall many clubs will be able to meet again.
World Amateur Day seems to have been successful. Many operators reported making quite a few contacts. Many clubs are running their own contests so that members can get to participate in one. One example, is from the Burlington County Radio Club. The Club is participating in the State QSO Party Challenge (http://stateqsoparty.com). This is a great way to keep members involved and to get people on the air.
VE Testing is returning in some areas with many people coming out to take exams. There are many new operators taking tests as well as many upgrades. Testing sessions have been very active in Mercer and Ocean Counties.
FCC Issues Enforcement Advisory : Radio Users Again Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes
On April 20, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued a new Enforcement Advisory, repeating the admonishments contained in a January Advisory that no licensee or user of the Amateur or Personal Radio Services may use any radio equipment in connection with unlawful activities of any nature.
The Commission specifically cautioned that individuals found to have used radios in connection with any illegal activity are “subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.”
In addition, licensees should be aware that illegal operation in any service or band, including completely outside the amateur allocations, could potentially disqualify a person from holding any FCC license in any service, not just the Amateur Service.
Any amateur observing a suspicious infraction that might be of illegal or criminal nature should report it to their local law enforcement office or the FBI.
2021 Contest University Announces Speaker Line-Up
The 2021 Contest University (CTU), held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention® starting at 1300 UTC on May 20, has announced its roster of speakers. The live ZOOM webinar event is free. Registration opens on April 21. Talks will run for 45 minutes followed by a question-and-answer session. More information is on the CTU website. The 2021 virtual Contest University will be recorded and available on YouTube following the event. - Thanks to CTU Chair Tim Duffy, K3LR
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : April 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Many amateur radio clubs continue to be active even with all the restrictions on meeting. Clubs have put together many activities to keep members active. Some Clubs are running contests while others continue to have educational presentations online. There has also been a great increase in those taking Amateur Radio tests. Many clubs have resumed testing in some shape or form. It looks like many have taken time during quarantine to study for their Technician license or upgrade. Some tests are given outside while others are in large rooms spread apart with good ventilation. It seems that candidates don’t mind traveling to take the tests either. Some people have driven almost two hours to take a test.
In other news about testing, contrary to what you may have heard or read, the collection of application fees for the Amateur Radio Service and certain other services will NOT begin on April 19, 2021. Although April 19, 2021 is the date the rules in the FCC Report and Order adopted last December generally take effect - i.e., one month after the R&O was published in the March 19, 2021 Federal Register - certain parts of those rules, including collection of the application fees for the Amateur Radio Service, will NOT begin on that date.
The effective date for new Amateur Radio fees has not yet been established. The FCC explicitly states in the published notice that the fees will not take effect until :
The League’s counsel for FCC matters estimates that the effective start date for collecting the fees will be sometime this Summer, but regardless of the exact timing we will have advance notice.
Keep in mind that one can only renew their Amateur license within 90 days in advance of the expiration date. If you, or a club station license you are trustee for, are within that 90-day window now, I'd renew as soon as possible to avoid the new fee.
If you are thinking of switching to a vanity call sign, I'd also seriously suggest you apply for that special call sign sooner rather than later. (Of course, if you are an Extra class seeking a new shorter 1X2 or 2X1 call sign, competition for those calls in the future MIGHT be a bit less due to the new fees! We'll see...)
Remember to check the latest editions of “QST” and “On the Air” Magazine to see the latest information on Solar Cycle 25. Solar Cycle 25 is finally here, so now is a good time to review some basics, including what solar minimums and sunspots are and why they’re important for Amateur Radio. After reviewing what we know from Cycles 23 and 24, we’ll be able to make some predictions about what we can expect from Solar Cycle 25.
Remember to take some time to get on the radio. Lets keep those airwaves active.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
Many amateur radio clubs continue to be active even with all the restrictions on meeting. Clubs have put together many activities to keep members active. Some Clubs are running contests while others continue to have educational presentations online. There has also been a great increase in those taking Amateur Radio tests. Many clubs have resumed testing in some shape or form. It looks like many have taken time during quarantine to study for their Technician license or upgrade. Some tests are given outside while others are in large rooms spread apart with good ventilation. It seems that candidates don’t mind traveling to take the tests either. Some people have driven almost two hours to take a test.
In other news about testing, contrary to what you may have heard or read, the collection of application fees for the Amateur Radio Service and certain other services will NOT begin on April 19, 2021. Although April 19, 2021 is the date the rules in the FCC Report and Order adopted last December generally take effect - i.e., one month after the R&O was published in the March 19, 2021 Federal Register - certain parts of those rules, including collection of the application fees for the Amateur Radio Service, will NOT begin on that date.
The effective date for new Amateur Radio fees has not yet been established. The FCC explicitly states in the published notice that the fees will not take effect until :
- The requisite notice has been provided to Congress; AND
- The FCC’s information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated; AND
- The Commission publishes [FUTURE] notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules.
The League’s counsel for FCC matters estimates that the effective start date for collecting the fees will be sometime this Summer, but regardless of the exact timing we will have advance notice.
Keep in mind that one can only renew their Amateur license within 90 days in advance of the expiration date. If you, or a club station license you are trustee for, are within that 90-day window now, I'd renew as soon as possible to avoid the new fee.
If you are thinking of switching to a vanity call sign, I'd also seriously suggest you apply for that special call sign sooner rather than later. (Of course, if you are an Extra class seeking a new shorter 1X2 or 2X1 call sign, competition for those calls in the future MIGHT be a bit less due to the new fees! We'll see...)
Remember to check the latest editions of “QST” and “On the Air” Magazine to see the latest information on Solar Cycle 25. Solar Cycle 25 is finally here, so now is a good time to review some basics, including what solar minimums and sunspots are and why they’re important for Amateur Radio. After reviewing what we know from Cycles 23 and 24, we’ll be able to make some predictions about what we can expect from Solar Cycle 25.
Remember to take some time to get on the radio. Lets keep those airwaves active.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : March 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
By now most the snow has gone and I don’t think there will be much more. Spring is just around the corner. With that there are many online Hamfests coming up with a lot of educational Forums.
Recently there was the Orlando HamCation that was all virtual. Dave Minister NA2AA, the ARRL CEO spoke at this event along with Paul Gilbert KE5ZW, the ARRL Director of Emergency Operations. Dave NA2AA spoke about some of the upcoming changes that are coming for the ARRL. First, he talked about the Digital Transformation of the ARRL. The ARRL will be increasing their YouTube videos, and the Learning Center is going to have a new look come the Spring or Summer. There will also be new videos on licensing. The ARRL will be ramping up the Field Services Working Group this Spring. He wants to get members more involved and highlight members activities. In his five-year strategy he talked about creating more projects for members to participate in. Dave wants members to be more active on the radio. He also wants Amateur Radio Operators to be more active in their communities. The ARRL is also encouraging those operators who are not members of the ARRL to join as new benefits are being planned. Dave will be speaking again at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on March 12, 2021. https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.
Paul Gilbert KE5ZW spoke briefly on what is going on with Amateur Radio and Emergency Services. He encouraged ARES Members to take FEMA courses as well as AUXCOM, COMT and COML if they are available to them. He also encouraged operators to become familiar with the local public and emergency service radio systems and how they work. Many operators have been asked to assist in using these systems. As many of you know ARES Connect will end in June of this year. There has been a committee formed to look into other types of systems to track ARES members and their activities. He hopes to have more information in the coming months. Lastly, he asked ARES groups to reach out to their served agencies and to strengthen the relationships with those agencies.
The COMM Academy is being held April 10 and 11, 2021. The annual event has continued to evolve by presenting keynotes and seminar tracks that engage beginners, intermediate and advanced users in technologies, served agency support, volunteer management, self-preparedness, and how volunteer and professional communications are used, adapted and improved. Additional opportunities including a select group of Vendor and Sponsors exhibiting capabilities and the Communications and Interoperability vehicle display have also been added. The annual event has always focused on education for communication leaders, volunteers, and professionals. A name change seemed to be in order reflecting the new approach with the website. The Communications Academy will now be known as The Comm Academy. The theme for 2021 is : Disasters Here, There, and Everywhere - Are We Ready? https://www.commacademy.org.
Many clubs in our section remain active with ZOOM meetings :
Please let me know what activities your club or organization is doing. A big thank you to all the clubs who share their newsletter with me.
Remember to please take some time to get on the air even if its only once a day.
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
By now most the snow has gone and I don’t think there will be much more. Spring is just around the corner. With that there are many online Hamfests coming up with a lot of educational Forums.
Recently there was the Orlando HamCation that was all virtual. Dave Minister NA2AA, the ARRL CEO spoke at this event along with Paul Gilbert KE5ZW, the ARRL Director of Emergency Operations. Dave NA2AA spoke about some of the upcoming changes that are coming for the ARRL. First, he talked about the Digital Transformation of the ARRL. The ARRL will be increasing their YouTube videos, and the Learning Center is going to have a new look come the Spring or Summer. There will also be new videos on licensing. The ARRL will be ramping up the Field Services Working Group this Spring. He wants to get members more involved and highlight members activities. In his five-year strategy he talked about creating more projects for members to participate in. Dave wants members to be more active on the radio. He also wants Amateur Radio Operators to be more active in their communities. The ARRL is also encouraging those operators who are not members of the ARRL to join as new benefits are being planned. Dave will be speaking again at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on March 12, 2021. https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.
Paul Gilbert KE5ZW spoke briefly on what is going on with Amateur Radio and Emergency Services. He encouraged ARES Members to take FEMA courses as well as AUXCOM, COMT and COML if they are available to them. He also encouraged operators to become familiar with the local public and emergency service radio systems and how they work. Many operators have been asked to assist in using these systems. As many of you know ARES Connect will end in June of this year. There has been a committee formed to look into other types of systems to track ARES members and their activities. He hopes to have more information in the coming months. Lastly, he asked ARES groups to reach out to their served agencies and to strengthen the relationships with those agencies.
The COMM Academy is being held April 10 and 11, 2021. The annual event has continued to evolve by presenting keynotes and seminar tracks that engage beginners, intermediate and advanced users in technologies, served agency support, volunteer management, self-preparedness, and how volunteer and professional communications are used, adapted and improved. Additional opportunities including a select group of Vendor and Sponsors exhibiting capabilities and the Communications and Interoperability vehicle display have also been added. The annual event has always focused on education for communication leaders, volunteers, and professionals. A name change seemed to be in order reflecting the new approach with the website. The Communications Academy will now be known as The Comm Academy. The theme for 2021 is : Disasters Here, There, and Everywhere - Are We Ready? https://www.commacademy.org.
Many clubs in our section remain active with ZOOM meetings :
- The Holiday City Amateur Radio Club (http://www.hcarc.us) had a presentation about on Antenna Types by Larry Puccio K2QDY.
- Recently the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club (https://www.w2mmd.org) held a Fox Hunt in which eleven of their members took part.
- The South Jersey DX Association (http://www.sjdxa.org) held a mini contest for its members to make at least one DX contact a day for 15 days.
- The South Jersey Radio Association (http://www.sjra.org) continues to work on relocating their remote station to the Deer Park Fire Company in Cherry Hill. The fire company has allowed them to use some space in the firehouse.
- The Burlington County Radio Club (http://www.k2td-bcrc.org) has started the BCRC Challenge. In this challenge, club members must work at least 3 stations in each state QSO parties. The contacts are submitted to the club. Whoever works the greatest number of QSO parties will be the winner.
Please let me know what activities your club or organization is doing. A big thank you to all the clubs who share their newsletter with me.
Remember to please take some time to get on the air even if its only once a day.
ARRL Southern NJ Section News : February 2021
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
As many of you may have heard the FCC has issued a statement regarding the use of Amateur Radio to commit crimes. Here is a synopsis of what they said :
At the same time the ARRL has issued a statement on the purpose of Amateur Radio :
ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio
HamCation QSO Party Set
Orlando HamCation has announced it will sponsor the HamCation QSO Party over the February 13-14 weekend (UTC), “to create a fun way for amateurs to celebrate the Orlando HamCation experience over the air.” The HamCation QSO Party will be a 12-hour event on HamCation weekend. HamCation 2021 was to host the ARRL National Convention, which now will take place in 2022.
“The QSO party will replicate the camaraderie and social experience of attending HamCation and provide a way to have fun on the radio, since HamCation 2021 will not be held due to COVID-19,” the HamCation QSO Party Committee said. The HamCation QSO Party will run from 1500 UTC on February 13 until 0300 UTC on February 14. It will be a CW and SSB operating event on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Any station may work any other station. Check http://www.arrl.org/news/hamcation-qso-party-set for more information.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Returning in March
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will return March 13 - 14 for a full 48 hours, QSO Today host Eric Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, announced. Guth said the inaugural QSO Today Expo last August attracted more than 16,000 attendees, and he anticipates that the March 2021 event will be even more successful. Check out http://www.arrl.org/news/qso-today-virtual-ham-expo-returning-in-march for more information.
SNJ Traffic Net
Remember to support the SNJ Traffic Net every night at 8:00 PM on the Waterford Works Repeater 147.345 MHz - PL.127.3. Anyone interested in helping out Steve Bromhead KB2RTZ on the net please contact him during the net or at : kb2rtz <at> gmail <dot> com.
The “7235 Friendly Net"
Congratulations to all the “Friendlies” that made this Net a success over the past 5 years. This net as a place for All Licensed Amateurs to have a place to stop by every morning grab a Cup of Coffee and QSO with their fellow Amateurs. The Friendly Net has been a tremendous success with many Hams joining in from all over the Eastern USA and Canada. Thanks to all the Stations that keep it rolling! Please continue to enjoy this Great Net! The net operates on 7235 kHz, 7 days a week at 0700 to 0800 Hours eastern time. More information at : https://7235friendlynet.myfreesites.net.
South Jersey Radio Association Awards
Congratulations to all of the award winners of the SJRA awards this year! For additional information regarding SJRA Awards, please see their website www.sjra.org
Al, N3AVT : VE Team Member Appreciation Award
Frank, AA2AW : Harry W. Densham Award
Bob, KE2D : E. Miles Brown Award
Art, N2CPR : Gordon Kressel Award
Logan & Elle : SJRA Youth Award
Holden, KD2JPV : Webmaster Award
Tom Preiser N2XW SNJ Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
As many of you may have heard the FCC has issued a statement regarding the use of Amateur Radio to commit crimes. Here is a synopsis of what they said :
- The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate and coordinate future activities. The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.
At the same time the ARRL has issued a statement on the purpose of Amateur Radio :
ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio
- For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL - the National Association for Amateur Radio® - have stood for the development of the science and art of communications, public service, and the enhancement of international goodwill. Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the public has solidified the well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio saves lives.
- Amateur Radio Operators, due to their history of public service, their training, and the requirement that they be licensed by the FCC have earned their status as a component of critical communications infrastructure and as a reliable resource “when all else fails."Amateur Radio is about development of communications and responsible public service. Its misuse is inconsistent with its history of service and its statutory charter. ARRL does not support its misuse for purposes inconsistent with these values and purposes.
- These statements were in response to the incidents that occurred in the Capital on January 6th.
HamCation QSO Party Set
Orlando HamCation has announced it will sponsor the HamCation QSO Party over the February 13-14 weekend (UTC), “to create a fun way for amateurs to celebrate the Orlando HamCation experience over the air.” The HamCation QSO Party will be a 12-hour event on HamCation weekend. HamCation 2021 was to host the ARRL National Convention, which now will take place in 2022.
“The QSO party will replicate the camaraderie and social experience of attending HamCation and provide a way to have fun on the radio, since HamCation 2021 will not be held due to COVID-19,” the HamCation QSO Party Committee said. The HamCation QSO Party will run from 1500 UTC on February 13 until 0300 UTC on February 14. It will be a CW and SSB operating event on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Any station may work any other station. Check http://www.arrl.org/news/hamcation-qso-party-set for more information.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Returning in March
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will return March 13 - 14 for a full 48 hours, QSO Today host Eric Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, announced. Guth said the inaugural QSO Today Expo last August attracted more than 16,000 attendees, and he anticipates that the March 2021 event will be even more successful. Check out http://www.arrl.org/news/qso-today-virtual-ham-expo-returning-in-march for more information.
SNJ Traffic Net
Remember to support the SNJ Traffic Net every night at 8:00 PM on the Waterford Works Repeater 147.345 MHz - PL.127.3. Anyone interested in helping out Steve Bromhead KB2RTZ on the net please contact him during the net or at : kb2rtz <at> gmail <dot> com.
The “7235 Friendly Net"
Congratulations to all the “Friendlies” that made this Net a success over the past 5 years. This net as a place for All Licensed Amateurs to have a place to stop by every morning grab a Cup of Coffee and QSO with their fellow Amateurs. The Friendly Net has been a tremendous success with many Hams joining in from all over the Eastern USA and Canada. Thanks to all the Stations that keep it rolling! Please continue to enjoy this Great Net! The net operates on 7235 kHz, 7 days a week at 0700 to 0800 Hours eastern time. More information at : https://7235friendlynet.myfreesites.net.
South Jersey Radio Association Awards
Congratulations to all of the award winners of the SJRA awards this year! For additional information regarding SJRA Awards, please see their website www.sjra.org
Al, N3AVT : VE Team Member Appreciation Award
Frank, AA2AW : Harry W. Densham Award
Bob, KE2D : E. Miles Brown Award
Art, N2CPR : Gordon Kressel Award
Logan & Elle : SJRA Youth Award
Holden, KD2JPV : Webmaster Award
ARRL Southern NJ Section News - December 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
I hope Everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I know that things are quite different this year. Be safe and be careful if you travel out.
I would like to remember the Silent Keys. There have been many recently, there are two I would like to recognize. Both were active in Public Service.
I would like to remember Tim Adams KD2EGR. Tim was a Extraordinary Man and a Great Friend to all who knew him. Tim was passionate about Ham Radio, SCARA, SPARC, and Aux Comm and was very active in all of them. Tim was a double lung transplant recipient who could not be slowed down. Tim went after every day with the energy of 10 men and strove for excellence in everything he did. Tim was a brilliant engineer and Radio Amateur with a wealth of knowledge and experience he was glad to share with anyone who would listen. I worked closely with Tim over the last year to further the goals and ambitions of both SCARA and Aux Comm. Tim will be very dearly missed by all of us and the Bands will be significantly quieter and empty without his voice to modulate through them.
I would also like to remember Joe Fedock, N3IE. He was member of Ocean County ARES and Ocean County RACES. He was also a member of the Stafford Township First Aid Squad. Joe took part in many public service activities. He was involved a few years back in the missing person search that used ARES to assist searchers. He was always friendly to all and always had a kind word. He will be missed by everyone.
The Field Day results are out and there was great participation from all around Southern NJ. Congratulations to the Old Barney Radio Club which had the highest amount of participation and highest score.
Ham Radio retailer Universal Radio, headquartered in Worthington, Ohio, is closed its store on November 30, although all existing orders will be filled, and the Universal Radio website will remain open to sell off “remaining stock, publications, and some select products.” Owners Fred Osterman, N8EKU, and Barbara Osterman, KC8VWI, are retiring. There is a lot good information on older radios on this website. It has been suggested that this information be preserved.
Dayton Hamvention announces its 2021 Theme - “The Gathering” I hope that things in the country have improved enough by then that this event is successful.
Lastly, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all get that new piece of Ham radio equipment for Christmas. I hope the New Year brings good health and prosper.
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
I hope Everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I know that things are quite different this year. Be safe and be careful if you travel out.
I would like to remember the Silent Keys. There have been many recently, there are two I would like to recognize. Both were active in Public Service.
I would like to remember Tim Adams KD2EGR. Tim was a Extraordinary Man and a Great Friend to all who knew him. Tim was passionate about Ham Radio, SCARA, SPARC, and Aux Comm and was very active in all of them. Tim was a double lung transplant recipient who could not be slowed down. Tim went after every day with the energy of 10 men and strove for excellence in everything he did. Tim was a brilliant engineer and Radio Amateur with a wealth of knowledge and experience he was glad to share with anyone who would listen. I worked closely with Tim over the last year to further the goals and ambitions of both SCARA and Aux Comm. Tim will be very dearly missed by all of us and the Bands will be significantly quieter and empty without his voice to modulate through them.
I would also like to remember Joe Fedock, N3IE. He was member of Ocean County ARES and Ocean County RACES. He was also a member of the Stafford Township First Aid Squad. Joe took part in many public service activities. He was involved a few years back in the missing person search that used ARES to assist searchers. He was always friendly to all and always had a kind word. He will be missed by everyone.
The Field Day results are out and there was great participation from all around Southern NJ. Congratulations to the Old Barney Radio Club which had the highest amount of participation and highest score.
Ham Radio retailer Universal Radio, headquartered in Worthington, Ohio, is closed its store on November 30, although all existing orders will be filled, and the Universal Radio website will remain open to sell off “remaining stock, publications, and some select products.” Owners Fred Osterman, N8EKU, and Barbara Osterman, KC8VWI, are retiring. There is a lot good information on older radios on this website. It has been suggested that this information be preserved.
Dayton Hamvention announces its 2021 Theme - “The Gathering” I hope that things in the country have improved enough by then that this event is successful.
Lastly, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all get that new piece of Ham radio equipment for Christmas. I hope the New Year brings good health and prosper.
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
ARRL Southern NJ Section News - November 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
Ham Shack Hotline
About a month ago Rick N2RPQ and I investigated a system that he came across on the internet called Ham Shack Hotline (https://hamshackhotline.com). It is a group who host cloud-based VoIP phone system. They provide this service free of charge to any ham anywhere in several countries. They have different hosted systems that are tied together to make a network.
The purpose of Ham Shack Hotline is NOT to replace ham radio in any way. It is there to supplement operations in times when things could be busy or need background coordination. Like all the tools we use it would depend on circumstances to determine what is available during a particular situation.
Rick & I started out testing the system and now have several operators on the system. It works very well and doesn’t tie up your home phone or use your cellular minutes. The system also provides for conference bridges to accommodate larger meetings. We used the system during the SET to help coordinate some background procedures/administrative tasks while still conducting the entire SET over the various radio bands. It proved to be a valuable tool.
We are looking to expand the use of the system in the Southern NJ section. We would love to have the some more operators join the system.
If you are interested please feel free to investigate the system. Contact Rick N2RPQ at n2rpq <at> arrl <dot> net for more information.
NEW ARRL HANDBOOK
It’s here! The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2021 - your complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation - now is available. The Handbook is written by radio amateurs for everyone who has a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless technology. It’s available in three formats : Traditional soft cover, a six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included), and eBook digital editions. The Handbook is a Six-Volume Book Set, Order from the ARRL Store (http://www.arrl.org/shop/What-s-New).
ARRL LEARNING NETWORK
ARRL members may visit the Learning Network website (http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network) to register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded sessions. The schedule is subject to change. The next upcoming sessions are :
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
Ham Shack Hotline
About a month ago Rick N2RPQ and I investigated a system that he came across on the internet called Ham Shack Hotline (https://hamshackhotline.com). It is a group who host cloud-based VoIP phone system. They provide this service free of charge to any ham anywhere in several countries. They have different hosted systems that are tied together to make a network.
The purpose of Ham Shack Hotline is NOT to replace ham radio in any way. It is there to supplement operations in times when things could be busy or need background coordination. Like all the tools we use it would depend on circumstances to determine what is available during a particular situation.
Rick & I started out testing the system and now have several operators on the system. It works very well and doesn’t tie up your home phone or use your cellular minutes. The system also provides for conference bridges to accommodate larger meetings. We used the system during the SET to help coordinate some background procedures/administrative tasks while still conducting the entire SET over the various radio bands. It proved to be a valuable tool.
We are looking to expand the use of the system in the Southern NJ section. We would love to have the some more operators join the system.
If you are interested please feel free to investigate the system. Contact Rick N2RPQ at n2rpq <at> arrl <dot> net for more information.
NEW ARRL HANDBOOK
It’s here! The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2021 - your complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation - now is available. The Handbook is written by radio amateurs for everyone who has a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless technology. It’s available in three formats : Traditional soft cover, a six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included), and eBook digital editions. The Handbook is a Six-Volume Book Set, Order from the ARRL Store (http://www.arrl.org/shop/What-s-New).
ARRL LEARNING NETWORK
ARRL members may visit the Learning Network website (http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network) to register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded sessions. The schedule is subject to change. The next upcoming sessions are :
- “How to Get Started in Amateur Radio Contesting”: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
- “Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code”: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim Crites, W6JIM
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section News - October 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
I would like to thank the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for hosting the Hamfest and Southern NJ Section Convention. While current conditions have changed the way the Hamfest is done, I think it was still a success. There seemed to be a good turnout and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
Many Clubs continue to meet online or via nets. I think this may continue for some time. If anyone needs to use Zoom meetings we have an account available through the Section that can be used.
Southern New Jersey Section amateur radio emergency communications operators are preparing the annual 2020 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday October 3rd. The purpose of the annual SET is for amateur radio operators to apply their emergency communications skills in a realistic simulation of an emergency event that could occur. The event is not a contest, rather an experiential learning event for enhancing skills and knowledge.
SNJ Section leadership in collaboration with Southern NJ County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Coordinators has selected a “Derecho” weather event for the exercise. The exercise has been designed to comply with all COVID-19 requirements. All operators will be applying their skills and knowledge independently from their homes.
The Section objectives for the event are designed to apply operating skills utilized in the constantly changing emergency communications environment. This year’s simulated event will primarily focus on serving two served agencies of Southern New Jersey Section amateur radio emergency communications, regional office of the National Weather Service and County Offices of Emergency Management.
If you are interested in participating, please contact your County Emergency Coordinator listed on http://snj.arrl.org/ares.cfm. Or contact Tom Devine, WB2ALJ, Section Emergency Coordinator at wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net.
The tropics have been quite active the last two months. Many Hams down South have been active on the air supporting these efforts. Please make sure frequencies are clear for their use.
Contests are coming this fall season. Be sure to check out the contest list at :
https://contests.arrl.org.
Lastly due to no one running for Section Manager, I have been re-elected by default for 2 more years. A big thank you to all those who have supported me and the leadership in the Southern NJ Section of the ARRL. If there is anything I can do to help anyone out please email me at n2xw <at> arrl <dot> net. I hope to get around to various club meetings either on the air or online soon.
Remember to Stay Safe and Stay on the Air
73
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw@arrl.org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW Section Manager
I would like to thank the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for hosting the Hamfest and Southern NJ Section Convention. While current conditions have changed the way the Hamfest is done, I think it was still a success. There seemed to be a good turnout and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
Many Clubs continue to meet online or via nets. I think this may continue for some time. If anyone needs to use Zoom meetings we have an account available through the Section that can be used.
Southern New Jersey Section amateur radio emergency communications operators are preparing the annual 2020 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday October 3rd. The purpose of the annual SET is for amateur radio operators to apply their emergency communications skills in a realistic simulation of an emergency event that could occur. The event is not a contest, rather an experiential learning event for enhancing skills and knowledge.
SNJ Section leadership in collaboration with Southern NJ County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Coordinators has selected a “Derecho” weather event for the exercise. The exercise has been designed to comply with all COVID-19 requirements. All operators will be applying their skills and knowledge independently from their homes.
The Section objectives for the event are designed to apply operating skills utilized in the constantly changing emergency communications environment. This year’s simulated event will primarily focus on serving two served agencies of Southern New Jersey Section amateur radio emergency communications, regional office of the National Weather Service and County Offices of Emergency Management.
If you are interested in participating, please contact your County Emergency Coordinator listed on http://snj.arrl.org/ares.cfm. Or contact Tom Devine, WB2ALJ, Section Emergency Coordinator at wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net.
The tropics have been quite active the last two months. Many Hams down South have been active on the air supporting these efforts. Please make sure frequencies are clear for their use.
Contests are coming this fall season. Be sure to check out the contest list at :
https://contests.arrl.org.
Lastly due to no one running for Section Manager, I have been re-elected by default for 2 more years. A big thank you to all those who have supported me and the leadership in the Southern NJ Section of the ARRL. If there is anything I can do to help anyone out please email me at n2xw <at> arrl <dot> net. I hope to get around to various club meetings either on the air or online soon.
Remember to Stay Safe and Stay on the Air
73
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw@arrl.org
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - July 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone has made it through Field Day. There were some clubs in Southern New Jersey who got together for Field Day while others worked from home. Some Clubs reported they had more club participants working from home than would normally participate,
Many Clubs have also resumed VE Testing using precautions. I think if everyone does this VE Testing can resume. Still many clubs are meeting on repeaters or via Zoom meetings. There some meetings taking place outdoors and again as long as social distancing is in place this is fine.
Field Day 2020 is Shaping Up to be One for the Record Books
ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reported that ARRL has received more than 8,700 online Field Day entries by mid-week, and paper-only entries have started arriving too.
“As many participants chose to operate from home this year - and given the 2020 rules waivers, we have seen a tremendous increase in entries over last year’s event,” Bourque said. “Most of the entries received have been through the online web app, and Headquarters staffers have begun processing the paper entries this week. The 2020 waivers allowed individual club members to attribute their scores to their clubs.
Participants who submitted entries online are encouraged to check the Field Day entries received page to verify that their entries are marked as complete, and that the club name entered is correct. Entries with a status of “pending” are incomplete entries that are missing one or more items, and these need to be completed for an official entry. Share your stories and photos using the ARRL soapbox or via social media, such as on the ARRL Field Day Facebook group.
Introducing The ARRL Current
ARRL has a new way to let members know when the digital editions of QST and other publications are available. Distributed via email, The ARRL Current offers a monthly overview of ARRL publications and member benefits. The inaugural edition launched in June.
Subscribe now to receive each issue going forward. Manage your email preferences from your ARRL account (members must first be registered on the ARRL website).
Go to the Edit Email Subscriptions page, select The ARRL Current, and then click Save.
Check out the ARRL Store for some New ARRL Summertime Shirts and accessories.
73s
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone has made it through Field Day. There were some clubs in Southern New Jersey who got together for Field Day while others worked from home. Some Clubs reported they had more club participants working from home than would normally participate,
Many Clubs have also resumed VE Testing using precautions. I think if everyone does this VE Testing can resume. Still many clubs are meeting on repeaters or via Zoom meetings. There some meetings taking place outdoors and again as long as social distancing is in place this is fine.
Field Day 2020 is Shaping Up to be One for the Record Books
ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reported that ARRL has received more than 8,700 online Field Day entries by mid-week, and paper-only entries have started arriving too.
“As many participants chose to operate from home this year - and given the 2020 rules waivers, we have seen a tremendous increase in entries over last year’s event,” Bourque said. “Most of the entries received have been through the online web app, and Headquarters staffers have begun processing the paper entries this week. The 2020 waivers allowed individual club members to attribute their scores to their clubs.
Participants who submitted entries online are encouraged to check the Field Day entries received page to verify that their entries are marked as complete, and that the club name entered is correct. Entries with a status of “pending” are incomplete entries that are missing one or more items, and these need to be completed for an official entry. Share your stories and photos using the ARRL soapbox or via social media, such as on the ARRL Field Day Facebook group.
Introducing The ARRL Current
ARRL has a new way to let members know when the digital editions of QST and other publications are available. Distributed via email, The ARRL Current offers a monthly overview of ARRL publications and member benefits. The inaugural edition launched in June.
Subscribe now to receive each issue going forward. Manage your email preferences from your ARRL account (members must first be registered on the ARRL website).
Go to the Edit Email Subscriptions page, select The ARRL Current, and then click Save.
Check out the ARRL Store for some New ARRL Summertime Shirts and accessories.
73s
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - June 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone is holding up well under the circumstances. Some places are starting to open up and people are getting out more. However, clubs are still not able to meet in person. Many are meeting on the air or by video conference.
It is with heavy heart and great sadness that I post this sad news that Bill Cole (N2CSA) entered Eternal Rest on May 4, 2020 at home with his family. Bill was Lifelong member of the Cape May County Amateur Radio Club and the Cape May County RACES. His services will be greatly missed by the club and RACES. He was also a great friend to me and always welcomed me to Cape May.
For most of us, ARRL Field Day 2020 is going to look quite different than it did in past years. Considering the impact of social distancing due to the pandemic, many radio clubs and large groups will not gather in their usual Field Day locations this year. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a Field Day first-timer, there are many questions about how to participate in amateur radio’s largest annual on-air event under these unusual circumstances. ARRL Field Day 2020 may be the year you decide to participate solo, or with other members of your household. You may want to focus on expanding your knowledge base and experiment with new modes or bands that you never thought of using before. If you’re a mentor to a newer ham, Field Day can be an opportunity to share some of your knowledge, and for you to expand your own operating horizons. This might be the year to leave your Field Day comfort zone and try something new!
ARRL Announces New Life 70+ Membership
The ARRL Board of Directors recently voted to create a special Life Membership opportunity for individuals who are at least 70 years old. Starting on June 1, the Life 70+ Membership will be available to individuals who have turned 70 and have a combined 25 years of paid annual ARRL membership. Life 70+ Members receive all benefits of an annual membership, including their choice of print magazine delivery (QST or On the Air), and digital access to these publications, plus the digital versions of QEX and National Contest Journal (NCJ). In addition, each Life 70+ Member will receive a Life Member pin and a window decal and may purchase an exclusive Life Member plaque. Qualifying members selecting this level of membership will enjoy the convenience of having to make a single payment for their entire tenure as an ARRL Member and not be subject to any future ARRL dues increase.
To apply for Life 70+ membership, individuals must complete the special Life 70+ Member application - available on June 1 - and submit proof of date of birth, if this information is not already on file with ARRL. The Life 70+ membership fee must be made in a single payment. Past membership dues payments will not apply toward Life 70+ Membership, but a credit will be applied for applicants who paid their dues in full between April 1 and May 31, 2020.
Many people have asked about VE Sessions. Some clubs have started limited testing with only five or six people in an outdoor setting. Please follow your local guidelines if you are going to restart VE testing.
Everyone Stay Safe
73s
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone is holding up well under the circumstances. Some places are starting to open up and people are getting out more. However, clubs are still not able to meet in person. Many are meeting on the air or by video conference.
It is with heavy heart and great sadness that I post this sad news that Bill Cole (N2CSA) entered Eternal Rest on May 4, 2020 at home with his family. Bill was Lifelong member of the Cape May County Amateur Radio Club and the Cape May County RACES. His services will be greatly missed by the club and RACES. He was also a great friend to me and always welcomed me to Cape May.
For most of us, ARRL Field Day 2020 is going to look quite different than it did in past years. Considering the impact of social distancing due to the pandemic, many radio clubs and large groups will not gather in their usual Field Day locations this year. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a Field Day first-timer, there are many questions about how to participate in amateur radio’s largest annual on-air event under these unusual circumstances. ARRL Field Day 2020 may be the year you decide to participate solo, or with other members of your household. You may want to focus on expanding your knowledge base and experiment with new modes or bands that you never thought of using before. If you’re a mentor to a newer ham, Field Day can be an opportunity to share some of your knowledge, and for you to expand your own operating horizons. This might be the year to leave your Field Day comfort zone and try something new!
ARRL Announces New Life 70+ Membership
The ARRL Board of Directors recently voted to create a special Life Membership opportunity for individuals who are at least 70 years old. Starting on June 1, the Life 70+ Membership will be available to individuals who have turned 70 and have a combined 25 years of paid annual ARRL membership. Life 70+ Members receive all benefits of an annual membership, including their choice of print magazine delivery (QST or On the Air), and digital access to these publications, plus the digital versions of QEX and National Contest Journal (NCJ). In addition, each Life 70+ Member will receive a Life Member pin and a window decal and may purchase an exclusive Life Member plaque. Qualifying members selecting this level of membership will enjoy the convenience of having to make a single payment for their entire tenure as an ARRL Member and not be subject to any future ARRL dues increase.
To apply for Life 70+ membership, individuals must complete the special Life 70+ Member application - available on June 1 - and submit proof of date of birth, if this information is not already on file with ARRL. The Life 70+ membership fee must be made in a single payment. Past membership dues payments will not apply toward Life 70+ Membership, but a credit will be applied for applicants who paid their dues in full between April 1 and May 31, 2020.
Many people have asked about VE Sessions. Some clubs have started limited testing with only five or six people in an outdoor setting. Please follow your local guidelines if you are going to restart VE testing.
Everyone Stay Safe
73s
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - May 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone is holding up well during this pandemic. I would like to take the time to remember those Silent Keys who have recently lost their lives due to the Corona Virus. Please remember them in your prayers.
I have received a lot of questions about Field Day. I have even sent some recommendations from some clubs to the Headquarters. So far there is no change in any procedures or rules. They are still considering all of the suggestions that have been sent in. As it stands now I would consider using club member’s home stations and having a schedule. If more information becomes available I will be sure to pass it on.
Another big question is VE Testing. I have received information that the ARRL is in the process of developing an online testing procedure. I hope to have more information on that soon. “Many of our VEs and VE Teams have been working on remotely proctored exam session ideas, employing both video and in-person components - following social distancing protocols,” ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said. “We have been receiving interesting and innovative suggestions, and we appreciate the dedication and ingenuity our examiners have shown.”
With pressure continuing to build to provide testing compatible with COVID-19 guidelines and stay-home orders, ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, has asked the amateur radio community to be patient. “Please remember that with the introduction of significant new processes such as these, that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols and procedures, and beta testing, before expanding to a larger audience,” she said this week. Somma said video-supervised exam sessions require a different skillset than in-person exam administration, and not all teams will be equipped to deliver video exams right away.
I know many clubs have been active with meetings on the air. I encourage everyone to get on the air and operate. I have found it can make an afternoon pass in no time. To top it off there have been some good band openings which helps.
ARRL Announces New Benefits For Members
ARRL members will now receive digital access to four ARRL magazines beginning with their latest issues. Joining QST and On the Air magazines on a digital platform will be the bimonthly editions of QEX - The Forum for Communications Experimenters and NCJ - National Contest Journal. QEX includes articles, columns, and other features ranging from construction projects to more advanced technical information in radio theory and practice. NCJ, published since 1973, targets radio amateurs active in radiosport. NCJ includes scores, technical articles, contributions from top contesters, and advice for beginners and seasoned radiosport enthusiasts alike.
“Feedback from ARRL members and our readership surveys has shown that our magazines are one of the most valued member benefits,” said ARRL Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY. “Our investment in digital access provides another channel through which we can deliver content to our members across the expanse of interests and activities in amateur radio. All members can enjoy specialized content and a high-quality reading experience whether at their desk or on the go. Offering this suite of digital magazines is an opportunity for us to give members more of what they want while adding value to ARRL membership.”
ARRL’s digital magazine editions provide replicas of the printed editions with added functionality, allowing users to fully search issues, enlarge pages, share articles, and more. The free ARRL Magazines app also supports downloading complete issues onto your mobile device or tablet for offline reading.
Members who have elected to receive a printed QST or On the Air as part of their membership benefits will continue to have this service. Members may not substitute a print subscription of QEX or NCJ as their delivered magazine member benefit. Print subscriptions of QEX and NCJ will continue to be available at additional cost for those who want to receive them.
All four magazines are easily accessed through any web browser from members-only links. The free ARRL Magazines app is available for iOS and Android in the Apple App Store and Google Play. If you’re already an ARRL member and previously created an arrl.org website account, your username and password will provide you access to the digital editions, whether online or in the app. Members who have not previously registered will need to create a new account. If you’ve forgotten your password, visit www.arrl.org/forgot-password, or email : circulation@arrl.org for assistance.
Previous and prospective members can join ARRL and take advantage of this and other membership benefits.
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
I hope everyone is holding up well during this pandemic. I would like to take the time to remember those Silent Keys who have recently lost their lives due to the Corona Virus. Please remember them in your prayers.
I have received a lot of questions about Field Day. I have even sent some recommendations from some clubs to the Headquarters. So far there is no change in any procedures or rules. They are still considering all of the suggestions that have been sent in. As it stands now I would consider using club member’s home stations and having a schedule. If more information becomes available I will be sure to pass it on.
Another big question is VE Testing. I have received information that the ARRL is in the process of developing an online testing procedure. I hope to have more information on that soon. “Many of our VEs and VE Teams have been working on remotely proctored exam session ideas, employing both video and in-person components - following social distancing protocols,” ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said. “We have been receiving interesting and innovative suggestions, and we appreciate the dedication and ingenuity our examiners have shown.”
With pressure continuing to build to provide testing compatible with COVID-19 guidelines and stay-home orders, ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, has asked the amateur radio community to be patient. “Please remember that with the introduction of significant new processes such as these, that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols and procedures, and beta testing, before expanding to a larger audience,” she said this week. Somma said video-supervised exam sessions require a different skillset than in-person exam administration, and not all teams will be equipped to deliver video exams right away.
I know many clubs have been active with meetings on the air. I encourage everyone to get on the air and operate. I have found it can make an afternoon pass in no time. To top it off there have been some good band openings which helps.
ARRL Announces New Benefits For Members
ARRL members will now receive digital access to four ARRL magazines beginning with their latest issues. Joining QST and On the Air magazines on a digital platform will be the bimonthly editions of QEX - The Forum for Communications Experimenters and NCJ - National Contest Journal. QEX includes articles, columns, and other features ranging from construction projects to more advanced technical information in radio theory and practice. NCJ, published since 1973, targets radio amateurs active in radiosport. NCJ includes scores, technical articles, contributions from top contesters, and advice for beginners and seasoned radiosport enthusiasts alike.
“Feedback from ARRL members and our readership surveys has shown that our magazines are one of the most valued member benefits,” said ARRL Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY. “Our investment in digital access provides another channel through which we can deliver content to our members across the expanse of interests and activities in amateur radio. All members can enjoy specialized content and a high-quality reading experience whether at their desk or on the go. Offering this suite of digital magazines is an opportunity for us to give members more of what they want while adding value to ARRL membership.”
ARRL’s digital magazine editions provide replicas of the printed editions with added functionality, allowing users to fully search issues, enlarge pages, share articles, and more. The free ARRL Magazines app also supports downloading complete issues onto your mobile device or tablet for offline reading.
Members who have elected to receive a printed QST or On the Air as part of their membership benefits will continue to have this service. Members may not substitute a print subscription of QEX or NCJ as their delivered magazine member benefit. Print subscriptions of QEX and NCJ will continue to be available at additional cost for those who want to receive them.
All four magazines are easily accessed through any web browser from members-only links. The free ARRL Magazines app is available for iOS and Android in the Apple App Store and Google Play. If you’re already an ARRL member and previously created an arrl.org website account, your username and password will provide you access to the digital editions, whether online or in the app. Members who have not previously registered will need to create a new account. If you’ve forgotten your password, visit www.arrl.org/forgot-password, or email : circulation@arrl.org for assistance.
Previous and prospective members can join ARRL and take advantage of this and other membership benefits.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - April 01, 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Hello to All,
I hope you are all doing well during this time of staying indoors. A lot of questions have come up regarding Field Day. The ARRL has published and article (See Below) with some suggestions for Field Day. While planning is beginning maybe you can use some of these suggestions.
Remember to get on the air every day!
Field Day 2020 - A Time to Adapt
03/27/2020
Many individuals and groups organizing events for Field Day 2020 have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty.
“Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an opportunity for you, your club, and/or group to try something new,” ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. “Field Day isn’t about doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances.”
Social distancing and state and local requirements very likely will impact just how - and even whether - you are able to participate in Field Day this year. ARRL continues monitoring the coronavirus situation, paying close attention to information and guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If social distancing means that Class A with a 30-member team set up in a city park won’t work this year, then it’s time for a Plan B. Part of the Field Day concept has always been adapting your operation to the situation at hand. At its heart, Field Day is an emergency communication demonstration. Field Day rules are flexible enough to allow individuals and groups to adjust their participation and strategies in a way that still addresses their needs while being fun.
Some possibilities :
Encourage club members to operate from their home stations on emergency power (Class E).
Use the club’s repeater as a means for individual participants to keep in touch during the event. Family members interested in operating Field Day and unable to participate as part of a larger group may want to consider setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary antenna. One big impact this year will be a decline in public visibility and any interaction with the visitors. Prudence may dictate dispensing with the ham radio PR table to attract passersby, should you set up in a more public location. It’s okay not to score all the bonus points you may have attempted in the past. Local and served agency officials may be unwilling to visit, which is understandable under the circumstances. Do be sure to reach out to them as part of your preparations and remind them that you look forward to continuing your working relationship with them in the future.
The impact will differ from place to place, so ARRL recommends that all amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day stay in regular contact with local or state public health officials for their advice and guidance on hosting Field Day activities.
Demonstrating an understanding of the health crisis we all face and your willingness to adapt will show that you and your club or group are good working partners with local or served agencies.
“With any emergency preparedness exercise, it’s not about adapting the situation to your operation, it’s about adapting your operation to the situation that presents itself,” Bourque said. “Try something different. Learn something new about how you prepare. It may be a challenge, and you may have to ask yourself if you’re up to the challenge. We hope to hear you on the air over the June 27 - 28 weekend.”
Thanks to Paul Bourque, N1SFE, and Dan Henderson, N1ND
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Hello to All,
I hope you are all doing well during this time of staying indoors. A lot of questions have come up regarding Field Day. The ARRL has published and article (See Below) with some suggestions for Field Day. While planning is beginning maybe you can use some of these suggestions.
Remember to get on the air every day!
Field Day 2020 - A Time to Adapt
03/27/2020
Many individuals and groups organizing events for Field Day 2020 have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty.
“Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an opportunity for you, your club, and/or group to try something new,” ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. “Field Day isn’t about doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances.”
Social distancing and state and local requirements very likely will impact just how - and even whether - you are able to participate in Field Day this year. ARRL continues monitoring the coronavirus situation, paying close attention to information and guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If social distancing means that Class A with a 30-member team set up in a city park won’t work this year, then it’s time for a Plan B. Part of the Field Day concept has always been adapting your operation to the situation at hand. At its heart, Field Day is an emergency communication demonstration. Field Day rules are flexible enough to allow individuals and groups to adjust their participation and strategies in a way that still addresses their needs while being fun.
Some possibilities :
Encourage club members to operate from their home stations on emergency power (Class E).
Use the club’s repeater as a means for individual participants to keep in touch during the event. Family members interested in operating Field Day and unable to participate as part of a larger group may want to consider setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary antenna. One big impact this year will be a decline in public visibility and any interaction with the visitors. Prudence may dictate dispensing with the ham radio PR table to attract passersby, should you set up in a more public location. It’s okay not to score all the bonus points you may have attempted in the past. Local and served agency officials may be unwilling to visit, which is understandable under the circumstances. Do be sure to reach out to them as part of your preparations and remind them that you look forward to continuing your working relationship with them in the future.
The impact will differ from place to place, so ARRL recommends that all amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day stay in regular contact with local or state public health officials for their advice and guidance on hosting Field Day activities.
Demonstrating an understanding of the health crisis we all face and your willingness to adapt will show that you and your club or group are good working partners with local or served agencies.
“With any emergency preparedness exercise, it’s not about adapting the situation to your operation, it’s about adapting your operation to the situation that presents itself,” Bourque said. “Try something different. Learn something new about how you prepare. It may be a challenge, and you may have to ask yourself if you’re up to the challenge. We hope to hear you on the air over the June 27 - 28 weekend.”
Thanks to Paul Bourque, N1SFE, and Dan Henderson, N1ND
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - March 23, 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Hello to all, I hope everyone is holding up well during this unique time in history. Please follow all the guidelines put out by your local and state officials.
As many have mentioned this is a great time to spend more time on the radio. Try and get on every day at least for a little while and make a contact. There are many new nets springing up. Dave KD2KVZ has started a Quarantine Net every afternoon at 3 PM. It will be on different repeaters every day. Keep an eye out on the SNJ EMCOM groups IO (https://groups.io/g/SNJEMCOM) site for the location of the next net.
Please get on the air, check in with many fellow Amateur Radio Operators to make sure all is well.
ARRL Headquarters to Close
ARRL Headquarters will comply with an executive order from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont that all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities reduce in-person workforces by 100% not later than March 23, 2020, at 8 PM. ARRL will equip as many Headquarters staffers as possible to work remotely. W1AW bulletin and code practice transmissions will continue. Customer service representatives will be available to take calls, although response times could be longer than usual. Operations at the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) will also continue, and the best way to receive a timely response is via email, as call volume has been heavy. The ARRL publication schedule will remain unchanged. The ARRL warehouse will be working with a reduced staff, so orders will be delayed, and ARRL will not be able to respond to expedited shipping orders. ARRL Headquarters will remain open until 5 PM on March 23, as managers and staff prepare for the shutdown. ARRL will keep members posted on this situation.
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Hello to all, I hope everyone is holding up well during this unique time in history. Please follow all the guidelines put out by your local and state officials.
As many have mentioned this is a great time to spend more time on the radio. Try and get on every day at least for a little while and make a contact. There are many new nets springing up. Dave KD2KVZ has started a Quarantine Net every afternoon at 3 PM. It will be on different repeaters every day. Keep an eye out on the SNJ EMCOM groups IO (https://groups.io/g/SNJEMCOM) site for the location of the next net.
Please get on the air, check in with many fellow Amateur Radio Operators to make sure all is well.
ARRL Headquarters to Close
ARRL Headquarters will comply with an executive order from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont that all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities reduce in-person workforces by 100% not later than March 23, 2020, at 8 PM. ARRL will equip as many Headquarters staffers as possible to work remotely. W1AW bulletin and code practice transmissions will continue. Customer service representatives will be available to take calls, although response times could be longer than usual. Operations at the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) will also continue, and the best way to receive a timely response is via email, as call volume has been heavy. The ARRL publication schedule will remain unchanged. The ARRL warehouse will be working with a reduced staff, so orders will be delayed, and ARRL will not be able to respond to expedited shipping orders. ARRL Headquarters will remain open until 5 PM on March 23, as managers and staff prepare for the shutdown. ARRL will keep members posted on this situation.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - February 25, 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Welcome to the latest news from the ARRL Southern NJ Section. If anyone has any news or announcements please feel free to pass them along to me.
Remember to support the Southern New Jersey Traffic Net on the 147.345 MHz Waterford Works Repeater every night at 2000 Hours.
The Southern New Jersey Section has scheduled the offering of the “Public Service Emergency Management for Radio Amateur” (EC-016) for three sessions on March 24, March 31, and April 7, 2020 at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center. If you are interested in attending the Public Service Emergency Management for Radio Amateur” (EC-016) course classroom version, please notify Tom Devine, WB2ALJ@arrl.net by March 10, 2020.
Congratulations to the following people who graduated the EC-01 Course in Atlantic County :
The Southern New Jersey Section launches Online EmComm Message Board and Forum.
Southern New Jersey has two new tools to help bring the Section together and share information across county lines : The Southern NJ EmComm Message Board on Groups.io and The Southern New Jersey Section EmComm Forum. Southern NJ Emcomm on groups.io is great for making announcements of a tactical, somewhat time sensitive nature. Weather Warnings, upcoming Nets; training exercises and other plans, Public Service opportunities, etc can all be posted. Check it out here : https://groups.io/g/SNJEMCOM.
Next up : The Southern New Jersey Section EmComm Forum.
The Forum is broken into categories on different EmComm topics and disciplines, such as : Gear, Training, Tips and Tricks, Troubleshooting, etc. There is a separate section dedicated to Digital EmComm, whether it's digital radios or digital modes. There's also an area to post tutorials on building or using specific EmComm equipment and software.
The SNJ Forum is a great place to share what your county is doing or planning. If one county is working on or using a certain EmComm method or mode, other counties will be able evaluate it and ask questions to determine if it might be useful for their group. The best part is that the forum becomes a great technical reference. Its storehouse of topics and tutorials are simple to navigate, making them easy to refer back to in the future.
Here's a link to the SNJ Section Forum : https://arrlsouthernnewjerseysection.boardhost.com/index.php.
Remember to find the most up to date section news at : http://snj.arrl.org
73s
Tom Preiser, N2XW
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Welcome to the latest news from the ARRL Southern NJ Section. If anyone has any news or announcements please feel free to pass them along to me.
Remember to support the Southern New Jersey Traffic Net on the 147.345 MHz Waterford Works Repeater every night at 2000 Hours.
The Southern New Jersey Section has scheduled the offering of the “Public Service Emergency Management for Radio Amateur” (EC-016) for three sessions on March 24, March 31, and April 7, 2020 at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center. If you are interested in attending the Public Service Emergency Management for Radio Amateur” (EC-016) course classroom version, please notify Tom Devine, WB2ALJ@arrl.net by March 10, 2020.
Congratulations to the following people who graduated the EC-01 Course in Atlantic County :
- KD2BAQ Marie Conover
- KD2JFF Dennis Emerick
- KB2DMU Sal Emma
- KD2SXG Larry Fornicola
- N2MHO Mike Harla
- W2ATL Al Horner
- AB2KP Thomas Hurst
- KD2PUY Michelle Larcombe
- K2AUX Art Masker
- KD2LBV Larry Nelson
- KD2EDC Larry Nolan
- KD2QED Jason Schollenberger
- KC2AAY Bill Schwoer
- W2JDT John Tamuts
- WA2YSA Robert Webb
- KD2PNR Allan Womelsdorf
The Southern New Jersey Section launches Online EmComm Message Board and Forum.
Southern New Jersey has two new tools to help bring the Section together and share information across county lines : The Southern NJ EmComm Message Board on Groups.io and The Southern New Jersey Section EmComm Forum. Southern NJ Emcomm on groups.io is great for making announcements of a tactical, somewhat time sensitive nature. Weather Warnings, upcoming Nets; training exercises and other plans, Public Service opportunities, etc can all be posted. Check it out here : https://groups.io/g/SNJEMCOM.
Next up : The Southern New Jersey Section EmComm Forum.
The Forum is broken into categories on different EmComm topics and disciplines, such as : Gear, Training, Tips and Tricks, Troubleshooting, etc. There is a separate section dedicated to Digital EmComm, whether it's digital radios or digital modes. There's also an area to post tutorials on building or using specific EmComm equipment and software.
The SNJ Forum is a great place to share what your county is doing or planning. If one county is working on or using a certain EmComm method or mode, other counties will be able evaluate it and ask questions to determine if it might be useful for their group. The best part is that the forum becomes a great technical reference. Its storehouse of topics and tutorials are simple to navigate, making them easy to refer back to in the future.
Here's a link to the SNJ Section Forum : https://arrlsouthernnewjerseysection.boardhost.com/index.php.
Remember to find the most up to date section news at : http://snj.arrl.org
73s
Tom Preiser, N2XW
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Manager
n2xw@arrl.org
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Update - February 2020
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
There is a lot going on in Amateur Radio in the beginning of 2020.
Congratulations to the Delaware Valley Radio Association for being an Affiliated Club for 90 years as of April. They are being officially recognized by a resolution from the ARRL.
Also congratulations to the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for being an Affiliated Club for 60 years as of February. They will be recognized at their March meeting.
Lastly, congratulations to Dave Larcombe KD2KVZ who has been appointed as Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator. Dave will assist the section with weather information.
News from ARRL Headquarters :
At its meeting in January, the ARRL Board of Directors did not elect Howard Michel, WB2ITX, as the ARRL Chief Executive Officer. Beginning Monday, January 20, Barry Shelley, N1VXY, will become interim CEO. Mr. Shelley was ARRL’s Chief Financial Officer for 28 years and CEO during 2018 before his retirement. The board has created a search committee to select the next CEO. More details on this will be released in the near future.
The ARRL Emergency Communication Manager has not been selected yet. A committee is in place to pick someone from the resumes that have been submitted.
ARRL’s new Publication “On the Air” is out. Members who receive “QST” by mail can download the new publication digitally at no additional cost.
There are some upcoming changes for members. If you are under age 26 you are eligible for reduced dues. The previous age was 21. There will be a 10% discount for members if you choose to receive all of your magazines digitally. The magazines, ”NCJ” and” QEX” will be available to everyone for free digitally soon.
There is a proposal to change Life Membership. The proposal states that members over age 70 who have been ARRL members for 25 years will be able purchase Life Membership for $750.
The Current ARRL strategic plan was last drafted in 2014. A committee was put together to update the plan.
Lastly keep an eye on the ARRL website for changes. The look and functionality of the site will be changing. Also look for a new Life Long Learning website later this year. There will be videos and training for all areas of Amateur Radio.
73s
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw@arrl.org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
There is a lot going on in Amateur Radio in the beginning of 2020.
Congratulations to the Delaware Valley Radio Association for being an Affiliated Club for 90 years as of April. They are being officially recognized by a resolution from the ARRL.
Also congratulations to the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for being an Affiliated Club for 60 years as of February. They will be recognized at their March meeting.
Lastly, congratulations to Dave Larcombe KD2KVZ who has been appointed as Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator. Dave will assist the section with weather information.
News from ARRL Headquarters :
At its meeting in January, the ARRL Board of Directors did not elect Howard Michel, WB2ITX, as the ARRL Chief Executive Officer. Beginning Monday, January 20, Barry Shelley, N1VXY, will become interim CEO. Mr. Shelley was ARRL’s Chief Financial Officer for 28 years and CEO during 2018 before his retirement. The board has created a search committee to select the next CEO. More details on this will be released in the near future.
The ARRL Emergency Communication Manager has not been selected yet. A committee is in place to pick someone from the resumes that have been submitted.
ARRL’s new Publication “On the Air” is out. Members who receive “QST” by mail can download the new publication digitally at no additional cost.
There are some upcoming changes for members. If you are under age 26 you are eligible for reduced dues. The previous age was 21. There will be a 10% discount for members if you choose to receive all of your magazines digitally. The magazines, ”NCJ” and” QEX” will be available to everyone for free digitally soon.
There is a proposal to change Life Membership. The proposal states that members over age 70 who have been ARRL members for 25 years will be able purchase Life Membership for $750.
The Current ARRL strategic plan was last drafted in 2014. A committee was put together to update the plan.
Lastly keep an eye on the ARRL website for changes. The look and functionality of the site will be changing. Also look for a new Life Long Learning website later this year. There will be videos and training for all areas of Amateur Radio.
73s
Tom N2XW
SNJ Section Manager
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw@arrl.org
New Southern New Jersey Section Website
The address is : http://snj.arrl.org
Check out the latest news highlights from the Section as well as from the ARRL. There is also the latest information for ARES and Traffic Handling.
If you have any information about your club or group that you would like posted please feel free to pass it along to Tom Preiser N2XW Section Manager n2xw <at> arrl <dot> net.
The page is constantly changing so check back often for new updates. Thanks to Rich N2RPQ for his work on setting up the website.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
The address is : http://snj.arrl.org
Check out the latest news highlights from the Section as well as from the ARRL. There is also the latest information for ARES and Traffic Handling.
If you have any information about your club or group that you would like posted please feel free to pass it along to Tom Preiser N2XW Section Manager n2xw <at> arrl <dot> net.
The page is constantly changing so check back often for new updates. Thanks to Rich N2RPQ for his work on setting up the website.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
ARES Connect
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Southern New Jersey Section of ARRL has been actively using ARES Connect for approximately 18 months.
ARES Connect is the resource for all members to :
1. Register of ARES team membership
2. Record your personal information including current telephone number, address, email, license classification, and training
3. Place to sign up for events, such as nets, public service activities, drills, meeting, and others
4. Place for local teams to indicate participation and hours of activities
5. Means of providing local ARES teams lists and members qualifications
6. Means of communicating, such as thank you for registration for events, reminders of events, and thank you for participating in events
For ARES Connect to effectively provide all these services the following must be done by members and leaders. Each member of ARES must register in ARES Connect.
Registration is easy :
1. Go to snj.arrl.org website
2. Select ARES tab
3. Click on “ARES Connect” button
4. Click on “Create Account”
5. Your Callsign must be the “Username”
6. Enter a password of your choice, verify the password, and click Next
7. All RED * items should be completed and verify accuracy
8. Save access to ARES Connect as Favorites/Bookmarks
Each member of ARES must periodically review and update their ARES Connect profile. This means verifying your email, telephone, license classification, and training. Most system issues have occurred from a lack of current information or forgotten passwords.
Verification is easy :
1. Enter ARES Connect with Username and Password
2. At your name select drop down “Update Profile”
3. Verify and update current information
4. Then Save
5. (Note: All RED * items should be completed.)
Forgotten passwords can be reset by sending a request with return email address to Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine at : wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net
Local ARES leadership must ensure all members are listed, events are posted with confirmation, reminder and thank you messages :
¨ Step by step worksheets are available for leadership
¨ The Section has offered training to any leader desiring it, contact Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine at : wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net
ARES Connect participation has increased throughout SNJ Section while not at 100 percent for all teams and events. It has been noticed that as event participants receive emailed thank you notes for activities, they increase registering for future events. The ARES Connect registration and sign-up for events process provides local ARES team leaders with an estimate of participation for the future events and enables easier processing for local leadership.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
By Tom Preiser, N2XW
Southern New Jersey Section of ARRL has been actively using ARES Connect for approximately 18 months.
ARES Connect is the resource for all members to :
1. Register of ARES team membership
2. Record your personal information including current telephone number, address, email, license classification, and training
3. Place to sign up for events, such as nets, public service activities, drills, meeting, and others
4. Place for local teams to indicate participation and hours of activities
5. Means of providing local ARES teams lists and members qualifications
6. Means of communicating, such as thank you for registration for events, reminders of events, and thank you for participating in events
For ARES Connect to effectively provide all these services the following must be done by members and leaders. Each member of ARES must register in ARES Connect.
Registration is easy :
1. Go to snj.arrl.org website
2. Select ARES tab
3. Click on “ARES Connect” button
4. Click on “Create Account”
5. Your Callsign must be the “Username”
6. Enter a password of your choice, verify the password, and click Next
7. All RED * items should be completed and verify accuracy
8. Save access to ARES Connect as Favorites/Bookmarks
Each member of ARES must periodically review and update their ARES Connect profile. This means verifying your email, telephone, license classification, and training. Most system issues have occurred from a lack of current information or forgotten passwords.
Verification is easy :
1. Enter ARES Connect with Username and Password
2. At your name select drop down “Update Profile”
3. Verify and update current information
4. Then Save
5. (Note: All RED * items should be completed.)
Forgotten passwords can be reset by sending a request with return email address to Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine at : wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net
Local ARES leadership must ensure all members are listed, events are posted with confirmation, reminder and thank you messages :
¨ Step by step worksheets are available for leadership
¨ The Section has offered training to any leader desiring it, contact Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Devine at : wb2alj <at> arrl <dot> net
ARES Connect participation has increased throughout SNJ Section while not at 100 percent for all teams and events. It has been noticed that as event participants receive emailed thank you notes for activities, they increase registering for future events. The ARES Connect registration and sign-up for events process provides local ARES team leaders with an estimate of participation for the future events and enables easier processing for local leadership.
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
ARRL Creating New Online Groups For Members To Have More Direct Communications With Organizational Leaders
Newington, CT - October 16, 2019 - To enhance and improve communications between the ARRL leadership and staff and the members and prospective members, in a manner that enables both timely updates and collegial discussion, the ARRL’s Committee on Communication with ARRL Members is creating online forums where all amateur radio operators (ARRL members and non-members alike) can discuss issues and topics in two-way conversation with ARRL leadership.
This project is based on the success of the online ARRL-LoTW Group for the past several years, in responding to all amateur radio operators’ questions and in generating discussions about ways to improve this program. This effort has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of online Groups as a means of achieving the desired interactivity.
So, the ARRL will be adding three additional online Groups, which will be open to ARRL members and non-members alike :
*ARRL-Contesting - moderated by ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Chairman Dennis Egan, W1UE : (https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-Contesting)
*ARRL-Awards - moderated by ARRL RadioSport Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ :
(https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-Awards)
*ARRL-IARU - moderated by IARU Secretary Dave Sumner, K1ZZ :
(https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-IARU)
The existing ARRL-LOTW Group, which has about 4,750 members, remains hosted by Groups.io, but is now accessible via https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-LoTW.
In addition, everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is also automatically subscribed to the “ARRL Groups” group. This is an administrative feature that will allow ARRL to convey routine announcements to subscribers of all ARRL groups, such as an announcement of upcoming downtime for planned maintenance.
ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK worked with Groups.io to set up the new groups.
In the months ahead, the Committee envisions creating more online Groups to support two-way communications that focus on additional areas of interest to amateur radio operators, including ARRL activities, services, initiatives, and policies.
It is important to note that the ARRL currently has some "members-only" online forums, including on the topics of Awards and Contesting. While these forums will continue to operate, participants there will be encouraged to post new topics in the new Groups.
Since the aim of the new Groups is to encourage discussion, as opposed to just being a question-and-answer session, there will be some basic ground rules to which participants of the Groups will be expected to adhere :
*All questions will be welcome, no matter how many times they have already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might be in the documentation.
*Neither personal attacks nor foul language will be tolerated. Violators will immediately be placed on "moderated" status, meaning their subsequent posts will require Moderator approval until the Moderator's trust has been regained.
*Those posting are reminded that these forums are open to everyone, including prospective hams and operators who are not ARRL members but may be thinking about joining; so civility and courtesy is expected, even when disagreeing.
The Committee believes that providing more opportunities for two-way discussion between the organization’s leaders and the entire community of amateur radio operators will assist the organization in truly serving the needs of this community.
The American Radio Relay League (www.arrl.org), represents the interests of Amateur (or “ham”) Radio operators across the country. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim, ARRL, The national association for Amateur Radio®, has a proud history of achievement as the standard-bearer in amateur affairs. Now in its second century, ARRL remains focused on “advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.”
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org
Newington, CT - October 16, 2019 - To enhance and improve communications between the ARRL leadership and staff and the members and prospective members, in a manner that enables both timely updates and collegial discussion, the ARRL’s Committee on Communication with ARRL Members is creating online forums where all amateur radio operators (ARRL members and non-members alike) can discuss issues and topics in two-way conversation with ARRL leadership.
This project is based on the success of the online ARRL-LoTW Group for the past several years, in responding to all amateur radio operators’ questions and in generating discussions about ways to improve this program. This effort has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of online Groups as a means of achieving the desired interactivity.
So, the ARRL will be adding three additional online Groups, which will be open to ARRL members and non-members alike :
*ARRL-Contesting - moderated by ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Chairman Dennis Egan, W1UE : (https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-Contesting)
*ARRL-Awards - moderated by ARRL RadioSport Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ :
(https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-Awards)
*ARRL-IARU - moderated by IARU Secretary Dave Sumner, K1ZZ :
(https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-IARU)
The existing ARRL-LOTW Group, which has about 4,750 members, remains hosted by Groups.io, but is now accessible via https://groups.arrl.org/g/ARRL-LoTW.
In addition, everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is also automatically subscribed to the “ARRL Groups” group. This is an administrative feature that will allow ARRL to convey routine announcements to subscribers of all ARRL groups, such as an announcement of upcoming downtime for planned maintenance.
ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK worked with Groups.io to set up the new groups.
In the months ahead, the Committee envisions creating more online Groups to support two-way communications that focus on additional areas of interest to amateur radio operators, including ARRL activities, services, initiatives, and policies.
It is important to note that the ARRL currently has some "members-only" online forums, including on the topics of Awards and Contesting. While these forums will continue to operate, participants there will be encouraged to post new topics in the new Groups.
Since the aim of the new Groups is to encourage discussion, as opposed to just being a question-and-answer session, there will be some basic ground rules to which participants of the Groups will be expected to adhere :
*All questions will be welcome, no matter how many times they have already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might be in the documentation.
*Neither personal attacks nor foul language will be tolerated. Violators will immediately be placed on "moderated" status, meaning their subsequent posts will require Moderator approval until the Moderator's trust has been regained.
*Those posting are reminded that these forums are open to everyone, including prospective hams and operators who are not ARRL members but may be thinking about joining; so civility and courtesy is expected, even when disagreeing.
The Committee believes that providing more opportunities for two-way discussion between the organization’s leaders and the entire community of amateur radio operators will assist the organization in truly serving the needs of this community.
The American Radio Relay League (www.arrl.org), represents the interests of Amateur (or “ham”) Radio operators across the country. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim, ARRL, The national association for Amateur Radio®, has a proud history of achievement as the standard-bearer in amateur affairs. Now in its second century, ARRL remains focused on “advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.”
ARRL Southern New Jersey Section
Section Manager : Tom Preiser, N2XW
n2xw <at> arrl <dot> org