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EVARC Events/Announcements

May 28, 2023

Vol. 23, No. 22

EVARC Upcoming Events/Announcements image EVARC Logo

NOTE: The EVARC Events/Announcements will not be published next week. The next edition will be published January 8, 2023


 Next meeting of the Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio Club

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Time: 08:30 AM
Location: First Choice Catering & Party
                 1110 S. 9th St.
                 Norfolk, Ne.

Minutes from the May 20, 2023 meeting minutes are available and can be read here

Visitors and guests are always welcome to the meeting.

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Field Day - June 24 - 25

2023 Field Day PatchField Day planning is underway for this years Field Day event.  Like last year the club will be setting up at Shane's QTH (KE0APG) just south of Battle Creek.  This annual event gives members the chance to practice setting up and operating stations from a  remote site.  We will start setting up at 10 AM, June 24.  We can get on the air at 1:00 PM, June 24.  The end of Field Day is at 3:50 PM, Sunday, June 25.  The club will have two stations available.  Club members can bring their own rigs to operate during the event.  lunch and dinner meat will be available.  Dinner will be a family picnic where familys are invited to join us.  We will eat around 5:30 PM on Saturday.  Please bring a dish to share, your own drinks, and set-ups.  Club members are also asked to bring any extra coax they may have.  If you have any questions, please contact Shane, KE0APG, or Terry, KF0ATX

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Other Information

Club Shirts

The club has arranged with Renegade, located in the mall, to make available club logo shirts. They have the club patch and will order and make shirts for the club. The "official" shirt color will be gold. However they can make apparel with the club patch in any color. If you would like a gold shirt please print and compete the order form. Download and complete the order form and take it to Renegade to order your shirt.

Local VHF/UHF Nets

EVARC Net - Mondays at 7:30 PM, 146.73-, CTCSS - 131.8
Area Rag Chew Net - Tuesday at 7:30 PM, 444.250+, C4FM/Wires-X, Linked to Nebraska Hub
Dakota County ARES net - Wednesday at 8:00 PM, 444.250+, C4FM/Wires-X, Linked to Nebraska Hub
Norfolk Rag Chew Net - Thursday at 7:30 PM, 444.250+, C4FM/Wires-X, Linked to Nebraska Hub

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Midwest and Nebraska Section News

The Midwest Division Monthly Newsletter can be read on their web site. April 2023 Newsletter.

The latest Nebraska Sections news can be found on the Nebraska Section Facebook page or the ARRL Nebraska Section news web page.

 

Special Operating Events

Canadian amateur radio operators will be able to participate in a special event honoring the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The coronation takes place on May 6, 2023, and the special event runs from May 5 to July 2. Operators will be able to use special event call sign prefixes. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has approved the special call signs, which will correspond to the early summer operating season. All Canadian amateurs can use the special event call sign prefixes for all occasions, including Field Day and the Radio Amateurs of Canada Day Contest. More information about the special event call signs is available here. Additional information about the coronation can be found at King Charles: When is the coronation and what do we know about it? - BBC News.

The Lewis and Clark Trail on the Air special event commemorates the historic path the explorers took on their trek across the Midwest. The trail covers 4,900 miles and 16 states. This includes the disembarkation from Camp Dubois and what is referred to as the Eastern Legacy. The event is sponsored by the Clark County Amateur Radio Club, with support and participation from other clubs in all 16 states along the historic trail. The 2023 event will run 24 hours per day beginning June 3 and continuing through June 18 (June 2, 5:00 PM Pacific Time to June 18, 5:00 PM Pacific Time). The rules are simple: contact one club in each of the 16 states on the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. Operating modes include SSB phone, FM phone, CW, and FT8. Any combination of modes used to work all 16 states is allowed. The on-air exchange will include the call sign and name of the operator. Additional information, such as a signal report or a Parks on the Air park designation, may also be logged but is not required. Additional information can be found at Lewis & Clark Trail on the Air (lctota.org).

Marconi's yacht will be on the air from June 10 - 11, 2023, with the special event call sign IY4ELE. For the past 9 years, the A.R.I. Fidenza (Italian Amateur Radio Association), has celebrated a technical and cultural event for the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation at Villa Griffone in Pontecchio Marconi, Bologna, Italy (Guglielmo Marconi's birthplace). The purpose of the event is to highlight, at an international level, the historical value and meaning of Marconi's yacht, Elettra, which was the moving laboratory of the great Italian scientist. Several important radiocommunications experiments were conducted on board the yacht by Marconi during the interwar period. Over the event weekend, amateur radio operators from around the world will have a chance to contact IY4ELE, which will be operated by A.R.I. Fidenza club members via a radio station located near the keel of the Elettra. For more information, visit www.arifidenza.it.

Volunteers On The Air (VOTA) Continues

The Volunteers on the Air 2023 (VOTA) continues throughout the year.  There are week-long activations of portable W1AW/# stations in all 50 states, US Possessions and Territories.  See the Volunteers on the Air web site for more details. 

For more special events visit the ARRL Special Events webpage

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Test Sessions within 200 miles of Norfolk, NEimage of test session in progress


Recommend you check ahead to make sure the test session is still scheduled. As of: 05/28/2023

What you need to bring to a test session.  Please read and follow these instructions on what you will need at a test session

 
06/01/2023 - Lincoln, NE  68506
     Sponsor: Lincoln ARC
     Date: Jun 01 2023
     Time: 6:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Christopher W. Evens
                    (402) 613-3484
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: College View SDA Church
                    4801 Prescott Ave
                    Heartland Hall B
                    Lincoln NE 68506-5428
                    Enter E Ent #1 Handicap main
 
06/10/2023 - Boone, IA 50036
     Sponsor: Boone Amateur Radio Klub
     Date: Jun 10 2023
     Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Steven C. Huffman
                    (515) 230-0459
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Boone Pioneer Senior Center
                    1112 Story St
                    Boone IA 50036-2222
 
06/10/2023 - Creston IA  50801
     Sponsor: SWIARA Hamfest
     Date: Jun 10 2023
     Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Richard J. Allen
                    (515) 795-2162
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Union Cty Emer Mngt
                    705 East Taylor St
                    Reg @ 9:30am
                    Creston IA 50801-3766
 
06/13/2023 - Sioux Falls, SD  57101
     Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
     Date: Jun 13 2023
     Time: 7:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
     Contact: Willis L. Gravning
                    (605) 961-8466
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Minnehaha County Emergency Management Building
                    608 Sigler Ave
                    [email protected]
                    Sioux Falls SD 57101-9999
 
06/13/2023 - Yankton, SD  5078
     Sponsor: Prairie Dog Amt Radio Club
     Date: Jun 13 2023
     Time: 4:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
     Contact: Fred L. DeRoos
                    (605) 665-2590
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Christ the King Luthern Church
                    305 W 25th St
                    Yankton SD 57078-1317
 
06/17/2023 - Sioux City, IA  51101
     Sponsor: Sooland Amt Radio Assoc
     Date: Jun 17 2023
     Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Tim T. Jarman
                    (712) 223-4033
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Downtown Public Library
                    529 Pierce St
                    Conference Room
                    Sioux City IA 51101
     Website: https://k0tft.com/ 
 
06/20/2023 - Hastings NE  68901
     Sponsor: Amateur Radio Assoc. of Nebraska
     Date: Jun 20 2023
     Time: 6:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Allen D. Harpham
                    (402) 462-4619
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: Hastings Municipal Airport Terminal
                    3300 W 12th St
                    Hastings NE 68901-3445
 
06/24/2023 - Lincoln, NE  68524
     Sponsor: Lincoln ARC
     Date: Jun 24 2023
     Time: 2:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
     Contact: Christopher W. Evens
                    (402) 613-3484
     Email: [email protected]
     VEC: ARRL/VEC
     Location: LARC Clubhouse
                    4420 NW 41st St
                    Lincoln NE 68524

The Ak-Sar-Ben ARC has testing on the last Wednesday of each month.  See their website for more information
For more testing locations see the ARRL Testing Web page and the W5YI-VEC page

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Hamfests/Conventionsimage of a hamfest


NOTE: Recommend you check the event before scheduled date.                                                                                       Current as of: 05/28/2023

 
  06/10/2023 - Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Association Ham Fest

     Start Date: 06/10/2023
     End Date: 06/10/2023
     Location: Union County Emergency Management
                    705 East Taylor Street
                    Creston , IA 50801
     Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327085807349791
     Sponsor: Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Association
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: KØCSQ Repeater 146.790 - offset 136.5 tone
     Public Contact: Doug Welsch , KA0MHJ
                    517 SW 2nd St
                    Greenfield, IA 50849-1357
     Phone: 641-745-5501
     Email: [email protected]

 

 
07/08/2023 - Pioneer Amateur Radio Club's 25th Annual Flea Market, North Bend, NE
     Start Date: 07/08/2023
     End Date: 07/08/2023
     Location: North Bend City Auditorium
                    741 North Main Street
                    North Bend, NE 68649
     Website: http://www.k0sw.org	
     Sponsor: Pioneer Amateur Radio Club
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.67/07 MHz (100 Hz) or 443.900/+5 MHz
     Public Contact: Richard Mehaffey , KB0ARZ
                    230 West 11th Street
                    North Bend, NE 68649-5007
     Phone: 402-719-7342
     Email: [email protected]
     Flier: http://www.k0sw.org/fleamarket.pdf
 
07/15/2023 - SEARC Tailgate hamfest
     Start Date: 07/15/2023
     End Date: 07/15/2023
     Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church
                    3801 E. 26th St.
                    Sioux Falls, SD 57101
     Website: http://w0zwy.org	
     Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.895 MHz PL 146.2 Hz
     Public Contact: Willis Gravning , KE0Z
                    4321 S. Arden Circle
                    Sioux Falls, SD 57103-5234
     Phone: 1-605-961-8466
     Email: [email protected]
     Flyer: 2023 Sioux Falls tailgate flyer

 

 
08/26/2023 - Northern Plains Regional Radio Council Hamfest
     Start Date: 08/26/2023
     End Date: 08/26/2023
     Location: Brewster American Legion Post
                    825 3rd Avenue
                    Brewster, MN 56119
     Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NPRRC/	
     Sponsor: Northern Plains Regional Radio Council
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.67 - 141.3
     Public Contact: Randy Donahue , WB0ZSO
                    PO Box 336
                    Fulda, MN 56131
     Phone: 605-610-9419
     Email: [email protected]
 
09/23/2023 - S.A.R.A. Hamfest
     Start Date: 09/23/2023
     End Date: 09/23/2023
     Location: Morningside Lutheran Church (lower gym)
                    700 So. Martha St.
                    Sioux City, IA 51101
     Website: https://k0tft.com/	
     Sponsor: Sooland Amateur Radio Association
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.91 tone: 110.9
     Public Contact: Tim Jarman , K0UX
                    1420 Hiawatha Trail
                    Sioux City, IA 51104
     Phone: 1-712-223-4033
     Email: [email protected]
 
10/07/2023 - Hamboree 2023, Boone IA
     Start Date: 10/07/2023
     End Date: 10/07/2023
     Location: Boone County Fairgrounds Community Building
                    1601 Industrial Park Road
                    Boone, IA 50036
     Website: http://3900club.com	
     Sponsor: 3900 Club
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.850- tone 114.8
     Public Contact: Clay Conard , W0FS
                    612 Teneyck Ave. PO Box 286
                    Stratford, IA 50249
     Phone: 515-838-2285
     Email: [email protected]
     Flier: http://3900club.com/hamboree.php

 

 
11/18/2023 - Northeast Nebraska Hamfest, Norfolk NE  68701
     Start Date: 11/18/2023
     End Date: 11/18/2023
     Location: CHC Hall
                    105 Elm Avenue
                    Norfolk, NE 68701
     Website: http://www.qsl.net/evarc	
     Sponsor: Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio Club
     Type: ARRL Hamfest
     Talk-In: 146.73 (-) T:131.8
     Public Contact: Aaron Mathis , KT0Q
                    PO Box 1033
                    Norfolk, NE 68701
     Phone: 802-989-9246
     Email: [email protected]

For a complete listing of Hamfests go to the ARRL Hamfest Search page

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News From the ARRL Letters


 

ARRL and FEMA Sign Agreement: Ham Radio is as Relevant as Ever

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has entered into an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)FEMA Logo. The agreement will enhance cooperation between ARRL's emergency communications program, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®), and FEMA in providing disaster communications. The agreement emphasizes the importance of skilled Amateur Radio Operators in times of crisis and the role of ARES leadership within the emergency communications space.

ARES (see the ARES fact sheet at www.arrl.org/ares) is a network of trained Amateur Radio Service licensees organized across the country to provide communications and other support to served agencies, such as local governments, hospitals, and disaster response charities. More than 20,000 ARES volunteers actively participate in the ARRL program. In 2022, they provided more than 420,000 labor hours of service saving local officials $13.4 million in personnel costs.

ARES LogoEach member of ARES has specialized training in emergency communications. Many have also completed training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in order to integrate with local officials during an emergency response.

In March 2023, FEMA released the final version of the NIMS Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Functional Guidance, which includes radio amateurs in the response ecosystem and national emergency preparedness.

"The agreement is representative of the continued commitment and cooperation between FEMA and ARRL," said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. "Serving our country during emergencies is an important service provided by ARES volunteers and a principal purpose of our Amateur Radio Service. Our well-equipped volunteers bring their training, use of innovative technologies, and community partnerships together to serve before and during disasters."

FEMA announced the new agreement on Twitter stating, "We recently signed a new MOA with @arrl -- establishing our partnership with licensed, voluntary amateur radio operators to support response [and] recovery efforts. We're honored to work side-by-side to meet the needs of millions in the wake of disasters."

Read the full story on the ARRL website.

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Gomez Nominated for Vacant FCC Seat, Two Commissioners Renominated

President Joe Biden announced three nominees for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 22, 2023. The President will nominate Anna M. Gomez for a vacant FCC seat. Two sitting Commissioners, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr, will be nominated for new terms at the same time.FCC Commisioner Anna Gomez

Gomez is an attorney with decades of experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Gomez currently serves as a Senior Advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, where she has been leading US preparations for the monthlong WRC-23 conference that will commence on November 20 in Dubai. ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has represented the interests of US radio amateurs in preparation for the conference, and ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, has been appointed to the US delegation to WRC-23. ARRL also actively supports the work of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), which, as a member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector, participates in conference preparatory work and whose representatives will also attend WRC-23 by invitation as observers in an advisory capacity.

Earlier in her career, Gomez served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. From 2009 to 2013, she served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator. Gomez also briefly served as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley LLP. Gomez also was Vice President for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an Associate at the Arnold & Porter law firm.

Senate hearings on all three nominees are expected to be held in June.

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Dayton Hamvention® 2023 Wrap Up

Dayton Hamvention® 2023 was held May 19 - 21 in Xenia, Ohio -- and all indications point to a successful event.

ARRL CEO Minster, NA2AA ARRL greeted attendees in its large exhibit area in the "Tesla" building. Traffic to the exhibit was brisk. Members and prospective members enjoyed meeting with dozens of ARRL program representatives and volunteers. The event hosted the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention.

While the final count is still a few days away from being completed, Hamvention spokesperson Michael Kalter, W8CI, said this was a great year, a great event, and it all started with a great team.

"[We] had great [weather, tremendous] efforts by the 700 plus volunteers, [and] outstanding community support, including [from] the Greene County Sheriff's Office, the Xenia Police Department, and Xenia officials," said Kalter. "A big thank you to everyone, especially ARRL, for its work co-developing the Event App, and, of course, all of the amateur radio operators and everyone who attended the event."

Kalter said ticket sales were up this year and he expects attendance to surpass last year's count of 31,367. The good weather helped draw crowds, and other than some rain in the early morning hours of Saturday, blue skies and fair temperatures prevailed. photo ARRL Exhibit at Dayton

ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, said the Education and Learning booth was packed with people for the duration of the event. "We shared information with attendees about the ARRL Learning Center, the Teachers Institute, and using ham radio for STEM education and youth outreach," said Goodgame.

"We also partnered with YouTube content creator Carlos Ortiz, KD9OLN, whose channel is LifeAtTerminalVelocity, and facilitated a youth-only parachute-mobile event. Carlos jumped from an airplane at 10,500 feet and made contacts with 13 youth, then their parents, for a total of roughly 25 contacts before landing. It was an amazing opportunity to engage youth in amateur radio with something that is different than the norm," Goodgame added.

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

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

The ARISS booth drew in attendees to learn more about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station and opportunities to participate and volunteer. Among the program representatives were ARISS Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, and ARISS USA Delegate Rosalie White, K1STO, representing ARRL. ARISS is celebrating 40 years of amateur radio on human spaceflight vehicles.

In the ARRL exhibit area, a banner emblazoned with "ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program" hung above a booth adorned with university pennants that was swarmed with young adults. Student hams from colleges and universities around the country volunteered to help ARRL promote the collegiate program and the participation of their respective radio clubs and schools. These young hams greeted attendees with stories of how amateur radio is furthering their interest in wireless communications and other areas of STEM education. Their experiences are also leading to advanced careers in radio technology and related fields. The bright spotlight on young hams contributed a welcome message to all who passed by: "The next generation of radio amateurs is already here, and they're already active." ARRL's YouTube channel includes a short video with some of the student participants.

The Hamvention flea market was active again this year, and even picked up a nickname -- The Big Island -- a nod to its oval shape near the grandstand.

Kalter summed up the event as a great experience for everyone and noted that work has already started on the Hamvention, May 17 - 19, 2024. The event is planning to host the 2024 ARRL National Convention.

Read a complete recap of each day's events, written by ARRL Acquisitions Editor Mark H. Derks, KC1RVQ, using the links below.

Countdown to Dayton Hamvention

Day 1: Friday, May 19, 2023
Day 2: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Day 3: Sunday, May 21, 2023

See ARRL's photo album of Dayton Hamvention 2023 at https://tinyurl.com/ARRL-at-2023-Hamvention.

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In Brief..............

  • The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, of Seattle, Washington, reports for this week's ARRL Propagation Bulletin, ARLP021:

    Sun Image May 25, 2023Both the average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux increased this week. Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 118.6 to 133.4, while average solar flux went from 143.2 to 161.2.

    Geomagnetic indicators were more active. Average daily planetary A index went from 9.6 to 17.1, while average middle latitude A index rose from 9.6 to 14.4.

    Predicted solar flux is 160 on May 25 - 26; 165 on May 27; 160 on May 28; 155 on May 29 - 30; 160 and 150 on May 31 and June 1; 155 on June 2 - 4; 160, 165, 160, 155, and 150 on June 5 - 9; 145 on June 10 - 11; 150 on June 12; 155 on June 13 - 14; 160 on June 15; 165 on June 16 - 17; 160, 155, and 150 on June 18 - 20; 155 on June 21 - 22, then 160, 165, and 160 on June 23 - 25.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 15, 8, 5, and 8 on May 25 - 29; 5 on May 30 through June 1; 16, 8, 10, and 8 on June 2 - 5; 5 on June 6 - 15, then 12, 10, 5, 18, 22, 15, and 10 on June 16 - 22.

    Check out a video of the beautiful auroras explained here:

    https://tinyurl.com/2zxdmpu6

    Check out sunspot images at these links:

    https://tinyurl.com/muaakxn9

    https://www.popsci.com/science/sun-images-powerful-solar-telescope/

    Sunspot numbers for May 18 through 24, 2023, were 121, 155, 138, 140, 97, 130, and 153, with a mean of 133.4. 10.7-centimeter flux was 150.6, 164.6, 169.6, 163.4, 161.5, 154.9, and 164.1, with a mean of 161.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 3, 9, 35, 28, 21, 12, and 12, with a mean of 17.1. Middle latitude A index was 8, 10, 26, 19, 17, 11, and 10, with a mean of 14.4.

    Send your tips, reports, observations, questions, and comments to [email protected]. When reporting observations, don't forget to tell us which mode you were operating.

    A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean..." and check out the propagation page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.

    Share your reports and observations.

    A weekly, full report is posted on ARRL News.

  • Other Items

    May 31, 2023, will be the 25th anniversary of the May 31, 1998, severe storm outbreak locally known as the F3 Mechanicville, New York, tornado. The severe thunderstorms produced 20 tornadoes along with hundreds of damaging winds and large hail reports within a two-hour drive of Albany, New York. This link https://www.weather.gov/aly/31May1998Severe from the National Weather Service has details and a radar image of the storms, examples of the extensive damage, and a National Disaster Survey report that details amateur radio's assistance with warning and recovery. It also outlines the changes and improvements that led to today's storm warning procedures.

    ARRL Member Dues Survey Continues We've received thousands of responses so far, but we want to hear from as many members as possible. ARRL's online survey that seeks input from members on how we handle an increase in dues remains open until May 31. The results from the survey will be tabulated and shared with members on the ARRL website in June. Responses will ultimately help guide the future of ARRL. The survey is available to ARRL members, only. Members need to make sure they have logged into the ARRL website to participate. For more information, and to complete the survey, visit www.arrl.org/dues-survey.

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced the schools and host organizations selected for the January - June 2024 window. Of the ARISS education proposals submitted during the recent proposal window, 11 have been accepted to move forward in the planning process for hosting a scheduled amateur radio contact with crew on the ISS. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities. A complete list of the schools and hosts is available on the ARISS website. The ARISS program anticipates that NASA will be able to provide scheduling opportunities for these US host organizations. They are now at work completing an acceptable equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham radio contact. Once their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS operations team, the selected schools and organizations will be scheduled, as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA from January through June 2024.

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Education and Training image student in front of a laptop computer


  • ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration - The ARRL has many ways to continue your education in things Amateur Radio. For more information go to the ARRL Training web page. and the Online Course Catalog
  • FEMA Online Training - FEMA has numerous Independent Study Program courses available for Ham Radio Operators and others interested in emergency support and are recommended by ARES. For a list of courses check the FEMA ISP training web site.  Look for courses:
    • IS-100c - Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100
    • IS-200c - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    • IS-700b - National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
    • IS-800d - National Response Framework, An Introductionn
  • Weather Spotter Training --To be a certified Weather Spotter in the State of Nebraska, you must attend a weather spotter training session, take two on-line courses, and pass a written exam provided by your local Emergency Coordinator. The on-line courses can be found on the ucar.edu web site.
  • Are you interested in getting a license or upgrading and would like to attend a class? Take a look at YouTube. There are YouTube videos available that were recorded during actual class sessions. Videos are available for training for all license classes. These have been recorded in 2018 and 2019 and are based on the latest editions of the ARRL Study Guides.
  • Learn CW - The CW ops' CW Academy (CWA) offers free, remote Morse code classes at four separate levels -- beginner through advanced, running from not knowing the code at all to reaching 25 WPM. CWOps also provides a CWOps Test (CWT), an hour-long event every Wednesday at 1300 and 1900 UTC, and Thursdays at 0300 UTC. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update.
    For more information and CW assistance (ELMER) contact Bruce, K8UDH
  • Did you know you can practice code on-line? The ARRL posts their code practice files on the web. These audio files can be played on line or downloaded for later play back on your own computer. Practice files are available for 5, 7.5, 10, 13, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Words per Minute. To find the files click the following link: http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files
  • The ARRL offers Webinars, live and pre-recorded, of their Learning Network pagee. There are many subjects of interest to hams at all levels. Check-out this learning resource.  New talks/lectures are added frequently

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CLOSING ITEMS

The EVARC weekly net meets every Monday evening at 7:30 PM on the club 2 meter repeater (146.73 - ). Check-in to the net to hear an update on activities of other club members, announcements of local interest, and any late breaking information. Everyone is welcome to check in.

The EVARC weekly rag chew net meets every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM on the club 440 repeater (444.250 + and Wires-X room 21659). Check-in for general discussion and a weekly trivia question. Want to try your hand as Net Control? Contact Andy, KF0CSI or Shane, KE0APG.

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The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information to local hams with items of interest.  It is compiled from local, regional, and national sources.  Created by Monty Wilson, NRØA.
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