THURSDAY
EDITION:
Still smoked in
here, I would love
to see the sun
before the summer
ends..
No
Interference?
AST
SpaceMobile
Defends
Use of
Ham
Radio
Spectrum
AST
SpaceMobile
plans to
use the
spectrum
in a
limited
capacity.
Still,
it faces
fierce
pushback
from
amateur
radio
groups,
some of
which
claim
interference
is
already
happening.
Facing
thousands
of
complaints,AST
SpaceMobileis
pushing
back
against
concerns
that
the
company’s
giant
satellites
risk
interfering
with
amateur
“ham”
radio
operations
across
the
globe.
On
Tuesday,
the
company
sent
aletterto
the
US
Federal
Communications
Commission,
defending
its
plan
to
use
the
430
to
440MHz
radio
bands
outside
the
US
to
track
and
control
its
proposed
fleet
of
248
satellites.
Those
bands
have
long
been
allocated
to
amateur
radio
operations,
including
for
emergency
communications,
so
the
community
has
beencampaigningto
stop
AST
from
gaining
access.
It
flooded
the
FCC's
online
system
with
over2,500
comments,
many
of
them
protesting
AST’s
plan
to
use
the
spectrum.
The American
Radio Relay
League (ARRL) is
seeking a
dynamic and
experiencedMembership
Managerto
lead strategies
focused on
membership
growth,
engagement, and
retention. This
full-time
position is
based at ARRL
Headquarters in
Newington, CT,
and requires a
strong
background in
marketing and
management,
along with a
solid
understanding of
membership
operations and
database
systems. The
ideal candidate
will hold a
validAmateur
Radio Licenseand
have a proven
track record in
developing
multi-channel
campaigns,
analyzing member
trends, and
cultivating
stakeholder
relationships.
W1AW
Operator –
Amateur Radio
On-Air
Opportunity
The American
Radio Relay
League (ARRL) is
seeking a
licensed amateur
radio operator
with on-air
experience to
join our team as
a W1AW Operator
in Newington,
CT. This onsite
role involves
operating our
W1AW flagship
station in
accordance with
FCC regulations,
preparing
bulletins,
supporting
visiting
operators, and
conducting
public tours.
Candidates must
hold at least an
Advanced Class
Amateur Radio
License and have
a minimum of
three years
on-air
experience.
Strong technical
knowledge,
professionalism,
and the ability
to work
independently
during
second-shift
hours (4:00
PM–12:00 AM) are
essential.
Technical Editor
ARRL is also
seeking a
skilled and
detail-orientedTechnical
Editorto
contribute to
the quality and
accuracy of
technical
content across
its flagship
publication,QST,
and other ARRL
materials. This
full-time
position, also
based in
Newington, CT,
requires anAmateur
Radio Extra
Class License.
Responsibilities
include
reviewing and
editing
articles,
writing
technical
features,
managing
editorial
timelines, and
collaborating
with
contributors
within the
amateur radio
community. A
background in
technical
writing or
engineering and
strong
copyediting
skills are
essential.
These
positions are
100% on-site,
and there are no
remote options.
To view the full
job descriptions
and apply,
please visit:www.arrl.org/careers.
ARRL is an equal
opportunity
employer.
What Happens
When Lightning
Strikes A Plane?
Lightning is a
powerful force, one
seemingly capable of
great destruction in
the right
circumstances. It
announces itself
with a searing
flash, followed by a
deep rumble heard
for miles around.
Intuitively, it
might seem like a
lightning strike
would be disastrous
for something like a
plane flying at
altitude. And yet,
while damage is
possible, more often
than not—a plane
will get through a
lightning storm
unscathed. Let’s
explore the physics
at play.
Flying High
An electrical
storm captured
off the port
side of a Thai
Airways flight
in June 2025.
Pilots typically
aim to avoid
flying through
electrical
storms where
possible out of
an abundance of
caution. Credit:
author
According to
organizations in the
know, like theNational
Weather ServiceandAirbus,
in-service
commercial passenger
planes get hit by
lightning one to two
times a year on
average. Despite
this, crashes due to
lightning strikes
are extremely rare
in these aircraft.
One might imagine
that a modern
airliner, full of
complex electrical
systems and fuel,
would be highly
sensitive to a large
release of
electrical energy.
However, thanks to
basic physics and
smart design, modern
commercial planes
are actually able to
weather a lightning
strike quite well.
Much this comes
down to the way
electrical current
flows through a
conductor. In a
traditional airliner
with an aluminium
fuselage and wings,
the outer body of
the aircraft acts as
a Faraday cage. This
sees the current
from a lightning
strike flow
primarily through
the exterior of the
aircraft, without
harming anything
inside. The
lightning strike
typically contacts
the outside of the
aircraft at one
point, and leaves
the aircraft at
another, while the
electronic systems
inside are largely
undisturbed. This
effect also works in
composite-bodied
aircraft, thanks to
aircraft
manufacturers
including conductive
foils or strips in
the fuselage to
ensure this effect
is preserved. “All
components of the
aircraft structure
(metallic or
composite) must be
bonded together with
bonding leads or
with fasteners to
ensure electrical
continuity,” notes
Airbusin
a discussion on the
topic. “This
will enable the
lightning current to
travel through the
aircraft structure
without creating
significant damage.”
Those onboard the
plane might here a
loud noise and see a
giant flash, but
actual impact to the
aircraft’s structure
and electronic
hardware is usually
very limited.
Aircraft tend to
attract
lightning when
flying through
areas of high
electric field
in the
atmosphere.
Credit:Airbus
It’s worth noting
that this protective
effect is quite
important, because
aircraft themselves
have a tendency to
attract lightning
when flying through
an area of strong
electrical field. As
explained by Airbus,
lightning leaders
projecting from a
storm can readily
meet up with
lightning leaders
emanating from a
plane’s wings,
nosecone, tailplane,
or other
extremities. When
this happens, the
plane, effectively a
large conductor,
becomes part of the
lightning channel
when the discharge
happens, carrying
current as part of
the lightning’s
path. A lightning
strike may enter the
plane at the nose,
with discharge
passing from the
tail, wingtips, or
other pointed
protrusion. Static
discharge wicks can
help in this regard.
These are small
pointed metal
protrusions fitted
across an airliner’s
body, which are
intended to release
static electricity
built up from
friction with the
air, dust, or
precipitation during
flight. They can act
as discharge points
for a lightning
strike, too.
As a corona
discharge,
lightning will
tend to leave
the aircraft
from a sharp
point like a
wingtip, the
tail, or static
wicks mounted on
the trailing
edges of
aerodynamic
surfaces.
Credit: Adrian
Pingstone,
public domain
While modern
aircraft are
designed to survive
lightning strikes,
it’s still better to
not get hit in the
first place. Often,
damage is minor or
inconsequential, but
planes still need to
be checked over
after a strike event
regardless. For that
reason, pilots rely
on weather forecasts
and guidance from
air traffic control
to fly around or
over danger areas
wherever possible.
In the event a
modern airliner is
struck, damage
usually fits the
description you’d
expect from a large
arcing event. Metal
components may show
burn marks, holes,
or pitting, along
with deformation
from excess heat.
Composite parts may
also show fiber
damage,
delamination, or
damage to conductive
elements impacted by
the strike.
Post-strike
inspections are thus
performed to find
and repair this
damage before a
plane flies again.
Unfortunately,
while damage or
crashes due to
lightning strikes
are rare, they do
still occasionally
happen. Flightline
Flight 101 crashed
in 2001, with the
small turboprop
plane suspected to
have gone down due
to electrical
failure after a
lightning strike.
Investigators noted
that the Swearingen
SA226-AT aircraft
had been known to
suffer electrical
failure in other
lightning strike
incidents. Another
tragic example was
LANSA Flight 508,
which crashed in
1971 after the
Lockheed L-188
Electra suffered
wing failure after a
lightning strike.
Certain areas of
the plane are
more likely to
suffer damage
from a lightning
strike—most
damage occurs
where the
lightning strike
enters or leaves
the aircraft
body. Credit:Airbus
However, more
modern passenger
airliners from
manufacturers like
Boeing and Airbus
have proven a much
more solid safety
record when it comes
to lightning
strikes. This has
come as a part of
modern regulations,
which demand
electrical bonding
of components to
reduce the chance
that a lightning
strike could ignite
fuel vapors or fuel
tanks, and panel
thickness
requirements to make
sure lightning
strikes can’t easily
melt through an
entire panel to
damage parts inside.
Many of these rules
were instituted
after the loss of
Pan Am Flight 214 in
1963, when
investigators
concluded that a
lightning strike had
ignited fuel vapor
leading to the total
loss of the
aircraft.
It’s also worth
noting that
lightning can
actually be a large
danger to planes
when on the ground.
Airports are often
large, open areas
with few tall
structures around,
meaning that
aircraft can be a
more likely target
for lightning
strikes in the area.
In the event a plane
is struck on the
tarmac, crew nearby
can be in severe
danger if the strike
jumps to them on its
way to the ground.
Aircraft are often
grounded with
conductive straps
when on the tarmac
with straps to help
reduce the chance of
this happening, and
work on the ground
is often postponed
if there is a high
risk of lightning in
the area.
WEDNESDAY
EDITION: We
are still smoked in
on Cape Ann, it must
be sunny
somewhere...
Ham radio a path to
public service in
Maine
A percentage
of people seem to be
hard-wired for or
drawn to community
service, leadership
roles and events in
which they can serve
their neighbors and
fellow citizens. The
amateur ham radio
service offers a
path to many
rewarding public
service
opportunities.
Ham radio
operators volunteer
with county or local
programs like the
Amateur Radio
Emergency Service,
an American Radio
Relay League
program. These teams
often serve the
county emergency
management agencies
in Maine, according
to Derrick
Ouellette, deputy
director of the
Aroostook County
Emergency Management
Agency.
Members of the
Aroostook ARES team
recently
participated in the
annual field day
exercise, held every
year in June when
ham operators all
over the U.S. and
Canada join for
excercises
simulating disaster
conditions.
They practice
emergency
communications with
portable radios and
antennas and make as
many contacts as
possible in a fun
“contest-style,”
off-grid event.
In times of
disaster or other
emergencies, radio
service members
provide backup
communications when
existing public
safety systems get
overloaded or fail.
In non-emergency
times, these teams
practice and hone
their skills by
providing
communications at
public events such
as the Can-Am Crown
International Sled
Dog Races, the
Northwoods Gravel
Grind and much
more.
Amateur radio is
regulated by the
Federal
Communications
Commission, and one
of its primary
purposes is
recognition and
enhancement of the
value of the amateur
service to the
public as a
voluntary
noncommercial
communication
service,
particularly with
respect to providing
emergency
communications.
TUESDAY
EDITION:
Hazed in here on the
island from the
Canadian wild fires,
what a weird summer
of weather....
When the UK’s
Telephone Network
Went Digital With
System X
The switch
from analog
telephone
exchanges to a
purely digital
network meant a
revolution in
just about any
way imaginable.
Gone were the
bulky physical
switches and
associated
system
limitations. In
the UK this
change happened
in the early
1980s, with what
the Post Office
Telecommunications
(later British
Telecom) and
associated
companies
called System X.
Along with the
system’s
rollout,promotional
videos like this
1983 one were
meant to educate
the public and
likely any
investors on
what a smashing
idea the whole
system was.
Although for
the average
person in the UK
the introduction
of the new
digital
telephone
network probably
didn’t mean a
major change
beyond a few new
features like
group calls, the
same wasn’t true
for the network
operator whose
exchanges and
networks got
much smaller and
more efficient,
as explained in
the video. To
this daySystem
Xremains
the backbone of
the telephone
network in the
UK.
To get an
idea of the
immense scale of
the old analog
system,this
1982 video(also
embedded below)
shows the system
as it existed
before System X
began to replace
it. The latter
part of the
video provides
significant
detail of System
X and its
implementation
at the time,
although when
this video was
produced much of
the system was
still being
developed.
IARU
Position on the
Utilization of
the 430–440 MHz
Amateur Band by
AST SpaceMobile
Satellite
Constellation
AST &
Science LLC
(operating
as AST
SpaceMobile)
currently
deploys
commercial
satellites
in Low Earth
Orbit that
utilize
spectrum
allocations
within the
430–440 MHz
amateur and
amateur
satellite
bands for
Telemetry,
Tracking,
and Command
(TT&C)
operations.
The
satellites,
designated
Bluebird
1–5, were
launched on
September
12, 2024,
and function
under an FCC
Space Bureau
authorization
pursuant to
Article 4.4
of the ITU
Radio
Regulations.
This
provision
permits
administrations
to authorize
stations
using
frequencies
that are not
in
accordance
with the
ITU‑R Table
of Frequency
Allocations
or other
relevant
regulations,
provided
such use
does not
cause
harmful
interference
to other
administrations
authorising
services
that are in
accordance
with the
Table of
Frequency
Allocations.
Bluebird
satellites
employ the
following
frequencies
for TT&C
operations
with 50 kHz
bandwidth
utilizing
Gaussian
Frequency
Shift Keying
(GFSK 2400):
430.500 MHz,
432.300 MHz,
434.100 MHz,
435.900 MHz,
and 439.500
MHz.
Additionally,
AST’s
prototype
satellite
Bluewalker‑3
transmits
telemetry on
437.500 MHz.
These
frequencies
are not
intended to
carry the
service user
traffic, and
the use of
these UHF
frequencies
is proposed
for
exceptional
circumstances
when the
normal Q and
V Band TT&C
channels are
not useable
(40 and 60
GHz bands).
In June
2025, the
FCC Space
Bureau
accepted a
further
application
from AST &
Science LLC
for the
deployment
of 243
additional
satellites
intended to
use the
430–440 MHz
spectrum for
telemetry
purposes.
Supporting
material for
the new
application
also
suggests
that use of
the 430 –
440 MHz
range by the
new
additional
satellites
may be
limited as
these are
expected to
use the
S‑band
(around 2
GHz)
exclusively
for TT&C
when needed.
The
430–440 MHz
band
supports a
range of
amateur and
amateur
satellite
applications,
including
weak-signal
communications,
space
communications,
digital
television,
data
transmission,
repeaters,
and other
uses. There
is no
specific
sharing
study
considering
the impact
of the TT&C
transmissions
in the
430–440 MHz
band on
these
amateur
applications
despite the
Primary
status of
the amateur
service
allocation
in Region 1
and 11
countries in
Region 2.
The
International
Amateur
Radio Union
(IARU) and
its member
societies
have
expressed
concerns
regarding
the lack of
any
technical
assessment
on the
potential
interference
arising from
AST
satellite
TT&C
transmissions
affecting
the
aforementioned
applications.
The IARU
maintains
that
invoking
Article 4.4
of the Radio
Regulations
is
inappropriate
in this
context,
given the
considerable
risk of
interference
associated
with AST’s
use of the
amateur
allocation.
To
address
these
issues, the
IARU has
communicated
its position
in
correspondence
to the
Director of
the ITU
Radiocommunications
Bureau. IARU
member
societies
are
encouraged
to engage
their
respective
regulatory
authorities
about the
implications
of AST
satellite
TT&C
transmissions
within the
430–440 MHz
band and to
inform their
members
accordingly.
MONDAY
EDITION: To
bad this guy didn't
have a ham license,
he is using his
iPhone for
navigation and a VHF
walkie for marine
communications
Introducing
Radio Alpha, the
ARRL Museum and
Research Library
There’s a new
resource from ARRL
documenting the
history of ham
radio. Radio Alpha
is the ARRL® Museum
and Research
Library. It is
available for
viewing at
www.arrl.org/museum.
Radio Alpha is
envisioned as a
Wikipedia-like
project,
administered by a
trusted group of
volunteers.
It aims to serve
as a definitive
repository of
information,
offering detailed
descriptions and
contextual data on
pivo…
Read more
American Radio
Relay League | Ham
Radio Association
and Resources –Read
More
7 Surprising
Facts You Might Not
Know About Antennas
More than just
metal rods, antennas
are essential
components in
various
technologies,
including radio,
television, cell
phones, Wi-Fi,
radar, and satellite
communication. There
are dipole antennas,
parabolic antennas,
Yagi-Uda antennas,
helical antennas,
microstrip antennas,
and omnidirectional
antennas, to name
but a few.
One type of
antenna – the loop
antenna – has been
used by thieves to
extend the radio
connection between
key fobs and a car
over several hundred
feet, allowing them
to start the car and
drive it as far away
as a tank of gas
will take them,according
to GPS Leaders.
Another novel use
of antennas,according
to Barron’s, is
to pilot unmanned,
Starlink-equipped
narco-submarines
from Colombia across
the Caribbean Sea to
Central America and
Mexico. These
cocaine-smuggling
subs aren’t the
first instance of a
cartel using
Starlink to its
advantage. According
to Barron’s, “A
whopping $4.25
billion in meth was
seized on a ship
near India (in
2024), and the boat
was being operated
remotely using a
Starlink connection”
as well.
But not all of
the unusual uses of
antennas are
nefarious – some are
downright
inspirational. Here,
we take a look at
seven unusual uses
of them, and we even
throw in a bonus fun
fact just for kicks.
Antennas Aiding
Disaster Relief
Researchers fromStanford
Universityand
theAmerican
University of Beiruthave
developed an
innovative,
lightweight,
portable antenna
that can reliably
connect to both
satellites and
terrestrial devices,
offering a vital
tool for disaster
response teams and
humanitarian
organizations.
In the immediate
aftermath of
disasters like
earthquakes or
floods, the failure
of traditional
communication
infrastructure, such
as damaged cell
towers or downed
radio masts,
critically impedes
rescue efforts. This
new antenna directly
addresses those
failures, enabling
rapid deployment of
impromptu
communications to
coordinate emergency
response and connect
with isolated
survivors.
Unlike
conventional
metallic satellite
dishes, which are
heavy and demand
considerable power,
the newly developed
antenna is small,
light (about 39g),
and requires no
extra energy to
switch between two
stable
configurations: one
optimized for
targeted satellite
communications and
the other for
omnidirectional
ground connectivity.
According to
Stanford, it
achieves this
flexibility by
employing a unique
design based on
counter-rotating
helical strips made
from
fiber-reinforced
composites, allowing
easy transformation
between operational
modes merely by
pulling or
compressing its
structure.
Publication of
the design in Nature
Communications
demonstrates its
validity as a
suitable solution
for post-disaster
scenarios,
especially in
regions where
resources and
infrastructure are
limited or
compromised. Field
tests showed
successful
performance for both
point-to-point
terrestrial
connectivity and
satellite
localization within
the crucial L-band
frequency range
frequently utilized
in emergency
communications.
Importantly, such
passive,
reconfigurable
antennas lower the
technological entry
barrier for
responders and
reduce logistical
burdens during
high-stress rescue
operations,
underscoring their
potential to
transform
humanitarian aid and
resilience
strategies in the
face of increasingly
frequent natural
disasters.
Beverage
Antennas In Vietnam
During the
Vietnam War, the
U.S. Marines made
strategic use of
“commo wire” to
create Beverage
antennas—very long,
low-to-the-ground
wire
antennas—enabling
reliable and secure
communication
between forward
bases and command
centers. Typically,
these antennas
extended for several
wavelengths and were
positioned only a
few feet above the
ground.
According to Ham
Radio Outside the
Box, the Marines
deliberately
engineered these
Beverage antennas to
be inefficient: by
terminating the wire
with resistors
(around 600 ohms),
they further
increased lossiness,
which limited the
effective
communication range.
This intentional
inefficiency was a
tactical advantage.
By severely
restricting the
range, transmissions
became much harder
for North Vietnamese
intercept units to
detect or exploit,
thus maintaining
operational security
for nearby command
communications.
Beverage
antennas, though not
optimal for powerful
long-range signals,
provided a
low-profile, easily
concealed antenna
that could be
deployed while
crawling, reducing
exposure to enemy
observation or
attack. Their
construction using
readily available
wire also made them
both practical and
low-cost for field
operations.
Military
documentation and
antenna engineering
studies confirm
that, although
Beverage antennas
generally have a
mere 1.5% efficiency
as transmit
antennas, their
highly directional
and easily adaptable
design provides key
security and stealth
benefits in a
contested,
electronics-rich
environment such as
Vietnam. Modern
analyses emphasize
that radio
communication during
the Vietnam War
depended on a mix of
technological
improvisation and
strategic awareness
of signal
vulnerabilities,
with the Vietnam War
depended on a mix of
technological
improvisation and
strategic awareness
of signal
vulnerabilities,
with the Marines’
use of inefficient
Beverage antennas
exemplifying this
balancing act.
Antenna As A
Metamaterial Design
Metamaterials,
artificially
engineered materials
with extraordinary
electromagnetic
properties, are
transforming the
landscape of antenna
design.A
recent breakthrough
by Lockheed Martin
and Penn Statehighlights
this trend: the
creation of a
compact antenna
using metamaterial
concepts to overcome
the long-standing
limitations of
conventional
antennas for
satellite and GPS
applications. This
antenna features a
hexagonal shape and
is specifically
optimized for use in
arrays, enabling
higher gain and more
efficient
performance when
multiple antennas
are deployed
together. Compared
to traditional
circular designs,
the hexagonal
configuration
results in better
array packing and an
additional increase
in gain.
The integration
of metamaterials
into the antenna
structure results in
significant
improvements in both
gain (up to 25%) and
aperture efficiency,
with added
robustness and
reduced weight,
critical for
aerospace and
satellite
environments. Furthermore,according
to the National
Center for
Biotechnology
Information,
this new antenna
offers dual-band
capability, enabling
efficient operation
at two key
frequencies needed
for GPS systems.
The use of
carefully designed
metamaterial
elements empowers
engineers to
precisely manipulate
electromagnetic wave
propagation,
yielding antennas
that are not only
more compact and
lightweight but also
capable of enhanced
multi-band
functionality and
improved resistance
to interference.
Research at Penn
State’s
Computational
Electromagnetics and
Antennas Research
Lab(CEARL)
has played a pivotal
role in these
advancements,
leveraging advanced
optimization and
simulation to refine
these
metamaterial-enabled
designs. The
resulting antennas
are poised to
provide substantial
benefits for
next-generation GPS
and communication
satellites,
promising enhanced
reliability,
efficiency, and
reduced payload mass
– all critical
factors for modern
aerospace and
defense systems.
DIY Antennas
From Everyday Items
The creative
construction of DIY
antennas using
commonplace items
such as aluminum
foil and wire glue
exemplifies the
ingenuity found
among amateur radio
and television
enthusiasts. Recent
practical guides and
engineering
experiments have
confirmed the
effectiveness of
such homemade
designs.
For example, one
project detailed the
process of building
a deep-fringe TV
antenna out of
plywood, corrugated
cardboard,
heavy-duty aluminum
foil, and 12-gauge
copper wire, with
wire glue providing
the critical
electrical
connection between
foil and wiring,Wire
Glue Projects writes. The
antenna's structure
deliberately
connects the
“director” and
“reflector”
elements, both to
boost reception gain
and to shield
against noisy
interference from
nearby electronics –
a testament to the
nuanced
understanding many
amateurs bring to
their builds.
Academic and
research communities
echo this spirit of
innovation,
experimenting with
flexible and
scalable techniques
for antenna
fabrication.Researchers
at Columbia
Universityhave
advanced the field
by developing
“knitted” RF
metasurface antennas
from off-the-shelf
yarn, integrating
electromagnetic
functionality into
ultra-lightweight
and foldable
textiles. These
antennas represent a
significant
evolution of the
core DIY philosophy
by leveraging
everyday materials
yet advancing
performance and
flexibility.
Parallel antenna
configurations,
inspired by the
pioneering work ofJohn
Winegard,
credited as the
“father of the
modern TV antenna,”
remain a recurring
theme in both
hobbyist and
academic
contexts. Leveraging
multiple antennas
improves signal
quality and
reception diversity,
as demonstrated in
both engineering
theory and practical
radio setups,according
to Princeton
University.
The continued
development of both
simple homemade and
sophisticated
research antennas
underscores the
accessibility and
adaptability of
antenna technology
for personal and
experimental use,
blurring the
boundary between
amateur ingenuity
and academic
advancement.
Antenna Man
DXing – receiving
distant radio or
television signals –
remains a vibrant
hobby within the
amateur radio
community, inspiring
enthusiasts like
“Antenna Man” to
experiment with
various equipment
and antenna designs.
Many amateur radio
operators, or
“hams,” trace their
passion for DXing
back to early
experiences with
makeshift antennas,
such as using a coat
hanger to pull in
faraway stations,according
to SWLing.
This creative
approach exemplifies
the spirit of
experimentation that
underpins amateur
radio and has led
hobbyists to
increasingly
sophisticated
setups, like
high-gain antennas
mounted on towers,
for greater signal
reach and clarity.
DXing is more
than just a pastime;
it is a means of
expanding knowledge
about radio wave
propagation and
improving technical
skills,adds
The National
Association for
Amateur Radio. Organizations
such as the American
Radio Relay League
(ARRL) host annual
contests that
encourage
participants to
contact distant
stations, deepening
their understanding
of atmospheric
conditions and
antenna
performance. The
integration of
digital technology
and the rise of
software-defined
radios have further
broadened the
horizons for DXers,
making it easier for
individuals to
monitor, analyze,
and log distant
signals.
Academic
collaborations, like
those promoted by
theHamSCI
initiative,
bring together
scientists,
students, and radio
enthusiasts to study
ionospheric
phenomena using
DXing
techniques. These
partnerships
exemplify the
growing recognition
of amateur radio’s
value for both
personal achievement
and scientific
advancement. Current
research also
highlights how DXing
fosters innovation
and learning within
the amateur radio
community, bridging
the gap between
casual listening and
advanced signal
experimentation.
The Human Body
As An Antenna
Recent studies
confirm that the
human body can
function as an
antenna when exposed
to high-frequency
electromagnetic
fields, absorbing,
scattering, and even
radiating
electromagnetic
energy. Researchers
have numerically
modeled scenarios
where the body is
near a
high-frequency (HF)
vehicular antenna
and have shown that
a portion of the
incident energy is
indeed radiated away
by the human body,
while the rest is
absorbed and
dissipated as heat
through biological
tissues,according
to Frontiers.
Specific
absorption rate
(SAR) values are
used to assess how
much electromagnetic
energy is converted
into heat within the
body, and these
remain essential
metrics for
understanding
exposure and
safety. The
electrical
properties
(permittivity and
conductivity) of
skin, fat, and
muscle influence how
the body interacts
with electromagnetic
fields, and the
overall absorption
and radiation
characteristics vary
with frequency,
tissue composition,
and proximity to the
EM source.
Apart from
absorption (which
results in heat
dissipation), the
human body can
facilitate energy
transfer in
near-field
communication
scenarios. For
example, recent
research in wearable
technology
demonstrates how
placing antennas in
contact with the
skin improves
performance, as the
human body modifies
the antenna’s load
and can enhance the
radiation efficiency
and pattern,writes
Nature.
Additionally,writes
MDPI,
experiments show
that ambient
electromagnetic wave
energy can sometimes
be harvested using
the human body as a
passive conductor or
antenna to power
ultra-low energy
wearable
electronics. These
findings underscore
the complexity of
the body's
interaction with
electromagnetic
fields and emphasize
the need for ongoing
safety monitoring,
particularly as more
devices operate
nearby at higher
frequencies.
Stealth Antenna
Some ham radio
operators creatively
integrate stealth
antennas into
residential
environments by
disguising them as
common architectural
elements such as
gutters or
downspouts. This
approach allows
operators to comply
with restrictive
homeowner
association (HOA)
rules that often
prohibit visible
antennas and avoid
attracting unwanted
attention from
neighbors or local
authorities.
According to Scribd,
stealth antennas are
intentionally
designed to be
inconspicuous, using
thin wires or
disguising the
antenna as everyday
objects like
flagpoles, roof
vents, or weather
vanes, or even
installing them
indoors (e.g., in
attics) to maintain
a low profile while
still achieving
effective radio
communication.
The need for
stealth antennas
arises not only from
HOA restrictions but
also from other
social
considerations, such
as maintaining good
neighborly relations
or dealing with
space constraints in
urban and suburban
settings. Given that
traditional antennas
can be large and
visually prominent,
disguising antennas
as part of the
household
infrastructure
enables ham radio
operators to
continue their hobby
within regulated
environments without
compromising
performance.
Magnetic loops and
small transmitting
loops are popular
indoor or
semi-hidden antenna
types for such
applications.
Recent advances
have produced
specialized stealth
antenna kits and
designs that retain
high performance
while remaining
covert, such as
broadband VHF/UHF
antennas that avoid
the bulky radials
typically associated
with antenna setups,
enhancing both
stealth and
functionality,Heathkit
writes. The
trend toward stealth
antennas reflects a
broader adaptive
strategy among
amateur radio
enthusiasts to
balance technical
needs with
regulatory and
community
constraints,
demonstrating
innovation in
antenna technology
integration within
residential areas.
Bonus Fun Fact:
The Origin Of The
Word Antenna
The word antenna
in wireless
communication is
attributed to the
Italian inventor
Guglielmo Marconi,
who conducted
wireless experiments
in 1895 using a long
wire “aerial”
suspended from a
pole. Marconi's use
of this apparatus
led to the term
“antenna” being
associated with the
Italian word for a
tent pole, l'antenna
centrale.
This was a shift
from earlier
terminology, where
such devices were
referred to simply
as “terminals” in
wireless telegraphy.
Marconi’s prominence
and successful
wireless
demonstrations
helped popularize
the term, which then
spread among
wireless researchers
and the public
alike.
The Latin origin
of the word
“antenna” means
“sail yard” (the
horizontal spar used
in sailing to hold a
sail), which
influenced its
Italian usage to
mean a pole or rod.
Marconi’s choice of
the word might have
reflected the
physical resemblance
of his wireless
aerial to a sailing
yard or the tent
poles from which the
wire was suspended.
This terminology
then evolved and
solidified in the
context of radio and
wireless
technologies.
Before Marconi,
the earliest radio
antennas were
conceived by
Heinrich Hertz in
the late 19th
century for
demonstrating
electromagnetic
waves, but these
were not termed
antennas at the
time. Marconi’s
experiments and
commercial
developments,
particularly his
1895 transmission
work near Bologna,
brought the concept
and the term
“antenna” firmly
into usage for the
radiating and
receiving elements
in wireless
communication
devices.
Thus, the word
antenna in the
wireless context is
a result of
Marconi’s practical
innovations and
linguistic
adaptation from
Italian and Latin
maritime terminology
to modern radio
technology.
WEEKEND
EDITION:
The Maine Hamvention
is today from 8-2, a
quick hamfest to say
the least....
Time, Stars, and
Tides, All On Your
Wrist
When asked ‘what
makes you tick?’ the
engineers at
Vacheron Constantinsure
know what to answer–
and fast, too. Less
than a year after
last year’s
horological
kettlebell, the 960g
Berkley Grand
Complication, a new
invention had to be
worked out. And so,
they delivered.Vacheron
Constantin’s Solaria
Ultra Grand
Complicationis
more than just the
world’s most
complicated
wristwatch. It’s a
fine bit of
precision
engineering, packed
with 41
complications, 13
pending patents, and
a real-time star
tracker the size of
a 2-Euro coin.
Yes, there’s a
Westminster chime
and a tourbillon,
but the real novelty
is a dual-sapphire
sky chart that lets
you track
constellations using
a split-second
chronograph. Start
the chrono at dusk,
aim your arrow at
the stars, and it’ll
tell you when a
chosen star will
appear overhead that
night.
Built by a single
watchmaker over
eight years, the
36mm-wide movement
houses 1,521 parts
and 204 jewels.
Despite the mad
complexity, the
watch stays wearable
at just 45mm wide
and 15mm thick,
smaller than your
average Seamaster.
This is a wonder of
analog computational
mechanics. Just
before you think of
getting it gifted
for Christmas, think
twice – rumors are
it’ll be quite
pricey.
HamSCI Meteor
Scatter QSO Party
HamSCIwill
host ameteor
scatter QSO partyin
August and again in
December. In just a
few weeks, the
August event will
take advantage of
thePerseid
meteor showerand
allow amateur radio
operators to conduct
QSOs via MSK144
mode. HamSCI expects
hundreds of
participants on the
6 meter band August
11-12.
In addition to
QSOs, HamSCI is
requesting audio
recordings of
decoded pings. This
is possible through
theWSJT-Xsoftware
suite.
INT'L RESPONSE TO
FCC FILING FOR HAM
RADIO FREQUENCIES
JIM/ANCHOR: Our top
story takes us to
Washington, D.C.,
where the FCC has
been receiving
filings from
individuals and
groups speaking out
in response to the
proposed use of
amateur frequencies
by a broadband
communications
business. The
response has
gathered
international
momentum, as we hear
from Jeremy Boot
G4NJH.
JEREMY: Several
International
Amateur Radio Union
societies and more
than 2,000
individuals have
filed their concerns
with the US Federal
Communications
Commission over a
request by a US
broadband
communications
company' to use
frequencies between
430 and 440 MHz for
a planned
constellation of 240
commercial
satellites.
AST SpaceMobile was
recently approved
for the use of the
amateur radio band
on an experimental
basis for a
low-earth orbit
satellite known as
FM1, which is the
prototype for the
company's planned
mobile phone
connectivity from
space. The FCC has
assigned the
callsign WP2XRX,
which expires on 1st
July, 2027.
The Texas-based
company, a rival of
SpaceX, is
developing its
network in
association with
AT&T and Verizon.
SpaceX is partnering
with T-Mobile.
The Radio Society of
Great Britain,
referring on its
website to its own
filing to the FCC,
said that the
company's proposal
for its
constellation has
stirred [quote] "an
unprecedented
response from the
amateur radio
community."
[endquote]
This is Jeremy Boot
G4NJH.
(RSGB, FCC)
**
MEXICAN STATION
HONORS HAM RADIO'S
PATRON SAINT
JIM/ANCHOR: Hams
embrace the story of
one Catholic friar's
ultimate sacrifice
in a World War II
concentration camp.
This martyr, who
became the patron
saint of amateur
radio, is being
honored throughout
August, as we hear
from Jim Davis,
W2JKD.
JIM: In 1938, a
Franciscan friar
named Maximillian
Kolbe began
shortwave radio
broadcasts from his
homebuilt station in
a monastery to share
his words of faith
during a troubled
time in the world
Three years later,
he was a prisoner of
the Nazis in
Auschwitz. On the
14th of August,
1941, he traded his
own life to save
that of a doomed
Polish army
sergeant. Maximilian
Kolbe, SP3RN, was
declared a saint by
the Roman Catholic
Church in 1982 - and
is considered the
patron saint of
amateur radio.
The days surrounding
August 14th have
grown to be
important ones for
more than a decade
at the San Max
Church in Mexico
where, with the help
of a homebrew
rotating dipole
installed at the
church, hams from
around the country
team up to call CQ
using the special
callsign 4A2MAX. The
presence of the
saint is prominent
at the church in
more than just its
given name and
callsign. Some
relics that once
belonged to him are
housed in a small
museum inside the
church building. The
museum also displays
some of the awards
the amateurs have
won while operating
in contests with
this callsign as a
way to pay tribute
to St. Maximillian.
The operators are on
the air this month
from the 1st through
to the 31st using
all modes on all HF
bands through to the
end of the month.
The station's
operations manager,
Chuy, XE2N/N5MEX,
told Newsline
[quote]: "We want to
celebrate what we
love on the radio."
[endquote]
**
HAMTV BACK ON THE
AIR FROM THE ISS
JIM/ANCHOR: The most
popular digital
amateur TV show in
space is back and
better than ever.
With its
installation
completed recently
by ISS astronauts,
HamTV resumed its
transmissions on
Tuesday, the 29th of
July. In Salisbury,
Southern England,
Dave G8GKQ was among
the happy radio
operators to report
to the British
Amateur TV Club that
he had good copy
during the first
pass of the ISS with
HamTV turned on
again. HamTV had
been out of service
since 2019, so its
welcome-back from
Dave and other fans
was clearly a warm
one.
To see a live stream
of HamTV when it is
near the receiver
stations, follow the
link in the text
version of this
week's newscast at
arnewsline.org
(BRITISH AMATEUR TV
CLUB, AMATEUR RADIO
DAILY)
**
FIELD DAY WAS 'MERIT
BADGE DAY' FOR THEM
JIM/ANCHOR: Most of
us remember the big
weekend in June
known as Field Day.
For 14 Scouts who
attended the
activation with one
ham club in Southern
California, it will
always be remembered
as Merit Badge Day.
Ralph Squillace
KK6ITB explains.
RALPH: Operators
with the San
Fernando Valley
Amateur Radio Club
W6SD do a lot of
planning each year
for Field Day but
this year their
plans included
something else for
the first time - the
inclusion of Scouts
from Troop 415 who
were there to
observe, learn about
amateur radio and
perhaps qualify for
scouting's Radio
Merit Badge.
Fourteen of them did
just that - in a
single day - as they
learned about radio
communication and
watched the hams
make QSOs at the
activation site at
the First
Presbyterian Church
of Granada Hills.
Some of the Scouts
even experienced the
thrill of HF by
getting on the GOTA
station - the
so-called "Get On
The Air" station
provided at many
Field Day sites to
allow them to have a
QSO or two under
supervision of a
licensed ham.
The Scouts had other
inspiration to draw
on too. Club
secretary Bernard
KG6FBM told Newsline
that one of the
Scout's fathers,
Eric Arevalo,
KO6KFL, had just
received his Tech
license after taking
a class with Roozy,
W1EH.
Bernard said the
club is very proud
of the Scouts, whose
ages range from 11
to 17. As to whether
a merit badge
eventually leads to
a license, Bernard
said: "Some scouts
did show interest.
Maybe someday
they'll follow up."
(BERNARD FALKIN
KG6FBM)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX,
the Radio Amateur
Association of
Western Greece,
SZ1A, is on the air
as special event
station SX17ASTRO
until the 8th of
August for the 17th
Panhellenic
Expedition of
Amateur Astronomers.
Be listening on the
HF bands.
Certificates are
available. See
QRZ.com for QSL
details.
Antonio, IK7WUL,
will be on the air
from different
locations in Africa
during a mission
trip in his spare
time. Mainly
operating on 10
metres SSB as 9UØDX
from Burundi until
the 10th of August,
Rwanda as 9XØDX
through to the 18th
and between the 18th
of August and the
7th of September as
TY2AA from Benin.
See QRZ.com for QSL
details.
Steve, ZL2KE is
using the callsign
E51KEE from
Rarotonga, IOTA
Number OC-013, in
the South Cook
Islands between the
3rd and 18th of
August. He is using
CW and some SSB on
40, 30, 20, 17, 15,
12 and 10 metres.
QSL direct to
IK2DUW.
To highlight the
plight of mistreated
dogs and cats and
the work of their
rescuers a group of
amateur radio
special event
stations will be
on-air with an award
scheme during
August. For
International Cat
day on August 8th,
DA0CAT, DL0CAT will
be on-air during the
whole month while
GB4CAT,
GB9CAT,YL1CAT and
W1C will be on for
shorter periods. See
catdayradio.org and
qrz.com for details.
For International
Dog day on August
26th, DA0DOG, DL0DOG
will be on-air
during the whole
month while GB4DOG,
YL1DOG and K2D will
be on for shorter
periods. See
dogdayradio.org and
qrz.com for details.
RADIO ACTIVE
CAPE ANN
PRESENTS :
The
Six Meter Fish
Net!
WHEN:
Thursdays
starting
August 7th
at 7:30 PM
WHERE:
50.200 USB
Simplex
HOW:
K1TT will be
initial net
control but
this will be
almost but
not quite
entirely
unlike any
other local
net. Net
control may
pass hands
during the
net and
relays will
be allowed.
WHY:
This net is
more of a
challenge
than most
local nets.
There is no
repeater, no
digital
access, no
NetLogger
and no
EchoLink to
get in.
Participants
must figure
out what
antenna to
run, how to
deploy it,
and make
changes on
the fly.
This net
more
accurately
mimics
emergency
communication
conditions
where
internet and
repeaters
may be down.
Hopefully,
this net
will inspire
folks to use
this band
they have
not
experienced
much and
build /
deploy
antennas to
get on.
Don’t
Panic
If you
tune into
50.200 USB
at the
correct time
and hear
nothing,
just stand
by. You will
not be able
to hear
everyone on
the net nor
will
everyone
hear you.
Hang in
there. Do
not start
calling CQ.
We will work
from
Gloucester
and
Rockport,
then call
for folks
south of
Gloucester
and Rockport
and later
for folks to
the west and
north. As we
move from
area to
area, a
strong
station may
take on the
role of net
control and
relay back
to the
others.
This
ability to
hear and be
heard will
fluctuate
somewhat
week to week
and will be
strongly
influenced
by the
polarity of
the antennas
involved.
This is all
part of the
experimentation.
73 til
then,
K1TT
ARRL
Field Day
2025 Saw
Growth in
Participants
and Entries
The numbers
are in and
showing
growth. 2025
ARRL Field
Day showed
an increase
in both
participants
and entries,
compared to
2024.
According to
ARRL Contest
Program
Manager Paul
Bourque,
N1SFE, 4,369
entries
detailed
31,785
people
taking part
in in the
event.
That’s up
from last
year.
“There’s a
growing
interest in
ham radio,
especially
after last
year’s
hurricane
season and
other
high-profile
situations
in which
radio
has been
essential,”
noted
Bourque.
“ARRL Field
Day serves
as a great
chance to
get engaged
with your
local
amateur
radio
community.”
The uptick
in numbers
may not be
complete, as
there’s
still an
opportunity
for a few
more entries
to be added.
“Occasionally,
a club will
need to
update their
entry. We
work with
them to make
sure it is
correct,”
said
Bourque.
Field Day
participants
should check
that all the
required
supporting
documentation
related to
their
entries has
been
received by
checking the
Entries
Received web
page at
field-day.arrl.org/fdentriesrcvd.php.
If the
status of
your entry
is listed as
Pending
Documents,
one or more
of the
required
documents
still needs
to be
submitted to
complete
your entry.
Entrants may
use the link
provided in
the
confirmation
email they
received to
upload
additional
documents or
to modify
their
entries.
Currently,
223 entries
are listed
as being
incomplete.
Updates to
existing
entries will
be accepted
until August
29, 2025. If
you’re
having
difficulty
completing
your Field
Day entry or
have any
questions,
contact
fieldday@arrl.org.
On the
public
outreach
front, final
measurement
numbers of
the media
coverage
earned by
amateur
radio public
information
volunteers
have been
tallied.
ARRL Public
Relations
and Outreach
Manager
Sierra
Harrop,
W5DX,
reports that
the total ad
value
equivalence
(AVE) of
2025 ARRL
Field Day is
$37.9
million. “We
had a
tremendous
response
from clubs
and ARRL
public
information
volunteers
this year on
the heels of
Ham Radio
Open House
into ARRL
Field Day,”
she said.
“The ARRL
Public
Relations
Committee
prepared
resources to
help the
volunteers
succeed, but
they really
took it to
the next
level in
communities
across the
country.”
AVE measures
the amount
of money
that would
have to be
spent to buy
ads in media
and social
media to
replace the
news
coverage
volunteers
secured with
press
outreach.
The $37.9M
figure
measures
only
mentions of
ARRL Field
Day from
January 1 –
July 31 of
each year.
In 2024, the
figure was
$20M, and
$18M in
2023. Harrop
hopes to see
further
strengthening
of public
information
volunteers
leading into
2026, which
ARRL has
designated
as the Year
of the Club.
Hams seeking
to serve as
an ARRL
public
information
volunteer
may express
interest to
their ARRL
Section
Manager.
The overall
growth is
encouraging
to ARRL.
“I’m very
pleased with
the amount
of active
ARRL Field
Day
participants
this year.
It’s nice to
see more and
more people
participating!”
said
Bourque.
HamSCI
Meteor Scatter QSO
Party
HamSCIwill
host ameteor
scatter QSO partyin
August and again in
December. In just a
few weeks, the
August event will
take advantage of
thePerseid
meteor showerand
allow amateur radio
operators to conduct
QSOs via MSK144
mode. HamSCI expects
hundreds of
participants on the
6 meter band August
11-12.
In addition to
QSOs, HamSCI is
requesting audio
recordings of
decoded pings. This
is possible through
theWSJT-Xsoftware
suite.
HamTV is Active
on the International
Space Station
The installation
of new equipment
aboard the
International Space
Station (ISS) to
reenable HamTV
appears to be
successful.ARISSreports
on Mastodonthat
ground stations over
Europe had
successfully
received the HamTV
carrier signal on
July 29th. Carrier
transmissions are
expected to continue
over the next few
days. Additional
reports are expected
from North American
hams.
Ham Radio in
Popular Culture:
TV Shows,
Movies, and
Books
Ham radio has
made its
appearances in
various forms of
popular culture
over the years.
Here are a few
examples:
TV Shows:
“Emergency!”:The
popular
1970s show
often
depicted the
use of ham
radio
communication
in emergency
situations.
“Fargo”:In
the show,
the
character
Hanzee Dent
uses ham
radio to
communicate
with a local
ham operator
in order to
track a
suspect.
“Jericho”:The
post-apocalyptic
show
features ham
radio
communication
as a means
of
communication
in the
aftermath of
a disaster.
“MacGyver”:The
TV show
features the
character
MacGyver as
an amateur
radio
operator who
often uses
his handheld
ham radio to
communicate
with others
in different
parts of the
world.
“The
Walking
Dead”:Ham
radio is
used by
various
characters
throughout
the show to
try and make
contact with
other
survivors or
communities
outside
their own.
“The
X-Files”:In
the episode
“Max”,
Mulder and
Scully use
ham radio to
communicate
with a group
of UFO
enthusiasts
who believe
they have
captured a
signal from
an alien
spacecraft.
“Breaking
Bad”:In
one episode,
Walter White
uses a ham
radio to
listen in on
police
frequencies
and avoid
being
caught.
“Stranger
Things”:The
characters
often use
portable
radios to
communicate
locally, and
in a few
episodes
they use
them to
communicate
longer
distances
across the
nation.
Movies:
“Frequency”:The
movie tells
the story of
a man who is
able to
communicate
with his
deceased
father
through a
ham radio
that somehow
allows
communication
across time.
“Apollo
13”:Ham
radio
communication
is used to
establish
contact with
the crew
during their
space
mission.
“Jurassic
Park III”:Ham
radio is
used by the
characters
in the movie
to try and
make contact
with a
rescue team
after their
plane
crashes on
an island
filled with
dangerous
dinosaurs.
“The
Peacemaker”:George
Clooney’s
character
uses a ham
radio to
communicate
with the
U.S.
government
during a
crisis
involving
stolen
nuclear
weapons in
Eastern
Europe.
“The
Andromeda
Strain”:Ham
radio is
used by a
group of
scientists
to
communicate
with a
satellite
and track
down the
source of a
deadly
virus.
Books:
“The Art
of
Possibility”:In
the book by
Rosamund
Stone Zander
and Benjamin
Zander, a
group of
hams use
their radio
equipment to
create a
world-wide
network that
facilitates
communication
during
natural
disasters
and other
emergencies.
“Alas,
Babylon”:In
the novel by
Pat Frank,
ham radio is
the only
means of
long-distance
communication
in a
post-apocalyptic
world.
“The
Girl with
the Dragon
Tattoo”:In
the novel,
Lisbeth
Salander
uses her ham
radio to
communicate
with a
hacker
friend and
obtain
important
information.
“Peak”:In
the book by
Roland
Smith, a
teenage boy
uses his ham
radio to
communicate
with his
father
during a
climbing
competition.
“The Boy
Who
Harnessed
the Wind”:In
this memoir
by William
Kamkwamba
and Bryan
Mealer, the
author
describes
how he used
ham radio to
communicate
with people
outside of
his village
in Malawi
and gain
access to
educational
resources.
“The
Road”:Ham
radio is
mentioned
briefly in
Cormac
McCarthy’s
post-apocalyptic
novel as a
means of
communication,
although its
actual use
is not
described in
detail.
HAMS YOU MIGHT KNOW- ALIVE
AND SK
K1TP-
Jon....Editor of As The World
Turns....
WB1ABC-
Ari..Bought an amp and now we
can here him on 75 meters,
worships his wife, obsessed with
Id'ing N1BOW-Phil...Retired
broadcast engineer, confused and
gullible, cheap, only uses
singl ply toilet paper KB1OWO-
Larry...Handsome Fellow
,only cuts lawn in August, plows
snow the rest in Jackman, Maine W1GEK-
Big Mike....Nearfest Cook, big
motor home, electronics software
engineer ... AA1SB-
Neil...Living large traveling
the country with his
girlfriend...loves CW N1YX-
Igor....peddles quality Russian
keys, software engineer K1BGH...Art.....Restores
cars and radio gear, nice fella... N1XW.....Mike-easy
going, Harley riding kind of
guy! K1JEK-Joe...Easy going, can
be found at most ham flea market
...Cobra Antenna builder.. KA1GJU-
Kriss- Tower climbing pilot who
cooks on the side at
Hosstrader's... W1GWU-Bob....one
of the Hosstrader's original
organizers, 75 meter regular,
Tech Wizard!!! K1PV-
Roger....75 meter regular, easy
going guy... W1XER...Scott....easy
going guy, loves to split
cordwood and hunt... KB1VX-
Barry- the picture says it all,
he loves food! KC1BBU-
Bob....the Mud Duck from the
Cape Cod Canal, making a lot of
noise. W1STS- Scott...philosopher,
hat connoisseur,
KB1JXU-
Matthew...75 meter regular...our
token liberal Democrat out of
Florida K1PEK-Steve..Founder
of Davis-RF....my best friend
from high school K9AEN-John...Easy
going ham found at all the ham
fests K1BQT.....Rick....very
talented ham, loves his
politics, has designed gear for
MFJ... W1KQ- Jim- Retired
Air Force
Controller...told quite a few
pilots where to go! N1OOL-Jeff-
The 3936 master plumber and
ragchewer... K1BRS-Bruce-
Computer Tech of 3936...multi
talented kidney stone passing
ham... K1BGH- Arthur, Cape Cod,
construction company/ice cream
shop, hard working man.... W1VAK-
Ed, Cape Cod, lots of experience
in all areas, once was a Jacques
Cousteus body guard.... K1BNH-
Bill- Used to work for a bottled
gas company-we think he has been
around nitrous oxide to long W1HHO- Cal...3941
group K1MPM-
Pete...3941
group WA1JFX-
Russell...3941
SILENT KEYS
Silet Key
KA1BXB-Don...Regular
on 3900 mornings....just
don't
mention
politics
to
him,
please! Silent Key
N1IOM- 3910 colorful
regular Silent Key
WS1D-
Warren- "Windy" - Bullnet Silent Key
KMIG-Rick....75
Meter Regular....teaches the
future of mankind, it's scary! Silent
Key
Neil
-K1YPM
.....a
true
gentleman Silent Key
K1BXI- John.........Dr.
Linux....fine amateur radio op
....wealth of experience... Silent KeyVA2GJB-
Graham...one of the good 14313
guys back in the day. Silent Key
K1BHV-
David...PITA Silent Key
W1JSH-
Mort...Air Force man Silent Key
K1MAN--Glen....PITA
Silent KeyKB1CJG-"Cobby"-
Low key gent can be found on
many of the 75 meter
nets......... Silent KeyWB1AAZ-
Mike, Antrim, NH, auto parts
truck driver-retired Silent KeyWB1DVD-
Gil....Gilly..Gilmore.....easy
going, computer parts selling,
New England Ham.. Silent Key
W1OKQ-
Jack....3936 Wheeling and
Dealing......keeping the boys on
there toes.... Silent Key
W1TCS-
Terry....75 meter
regular, wealth of electronic
knowledge... Silent Key
WIPNR-
Mack....DXCC Master, worked them
all!.. 3864 regular for many
years... Silent Key
WILIM- Hu....SK at 92... 3864
regular for many years... Silent Key
N1SIE-
Dave....Loves to fly Silent Key:N1WBD-
Big Bob- Tallest ham, at 6'10",
of the 3864 group Silent Key:
W1FSK-Steve....Navy
Pilot, HRO Salesman, has owned
every radio ever built! Silent Key:
W4NTI-Vietnam
Dan....far from easy going cw
and ssb op on 14275/313 Silent Key:K1FUB-Bill-
Loved ham radio....
