The ARRL Letter for May 22, 2025 undefined

 

 

 

The ARRL Letter

 

, Editor | May 22, 2025

 

In this Issue:

 

JUST IN: Amateur Spectrum Addressed in US House Reconciliation Bill

 

 

ARRL reports that early this morning, May 22, 2025, the US House of Representatives passed a massive Reconciliation bill with the below spectrum provisions relevant to Amateur Radio.

  • Within two years not less than 600 megahertz must be identified from between 1.3 and 10 GHz for reallocation to commercial use for broadband services.
  • The identified spectrum must be auctioned by the FCC for such services on an exclusive, licensed basis as follows: not less than 200 megahertz within three years (mid-2028) and the remaining spectrum (at least 400 megahertz) within six years (mid-2031).
  • Excluded from spectrum that could be reallocated for these purposes is 3.1 – 3.45 GHz (which includes the temporary secondary Amateur band at 3.300 – 3.450 GHz) and 5.925 – 7.125 GHz.

With regard to Amateur spectrum, the bands that potentially could be subject to consideration for reallocation under this legislation are 13 cm (2300 – 2310 & 2390 – 2450 MHz) and 5 cm (5650 – 5925 MHz). At this time a number of bands have been mentioned informally for consideration, none of which include Amateur spectrum. But the bands under consideration could change and ARRL will closely monitor the evolving situation.

 

Additionally, some government operations may be required to consolidate in current Amateur secondary spectrum that is already shared with those government uses. In select instances this might constrain Amateur operations if such consolidation occurs.

 

It is to be emphasized that these provisions have been passed by the House, but key US Senators have not agreed to some aspects and have stated their intention to modify these provisions as the bill moves through Senate consideration. The stated goal for final enactment is by July 4, 2025.

 

Highlights from 2025 Dayton Hamvention

ARRL interacted with thousands of members at 2025 Dayton Hamvention®, held May 16-18 in Xenia, Ohio. There were many ARRL programs and services available to visitors to the ARRL Expo area. The ARRL Youth Lounge was busy throughout the event, and “the kids were loving it,” according to Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, who pointed out that the young visitors were building code keys from 3D-printed kits and testing them out by sending messages. Saturday’s ARRL Youth Rally saw several dozen young people get engaged with a day of ham radio fun. The Youth Rally actually extended into Sunday, with the kids contacting skydiver Carlos Ortiz, K9OL, as he parachuted to the ground with a handheld radio. A little later, they launched an APRS-equipped balloon, W1AW-11, on a hopefully round-the-world trip. It flew into Africa on Thursday afternoon after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Back at Hamvention, the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program booth was a flurry of activity with young adult hams for the whole weekend.

 

ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, was on hand to help members renew their licenses and to encourage ARRL VE teams to migrate to the all-digital exam system offered by Exam Tools. She noted that it streamlined the process for VEs because there was nothing to mail after a session.

 

The ARRL Lab tested more than 170 radios in the booth, including a handheld radio that fell 14,000 feet (Yes, it was K9OL’s!). It not only survived the fall in working condition but still passed the spectral purity test. The chance to visit with members was encouraging for ARRL Digital RF Engineer John McAuliffe, W1DRF, saying “It was nice to have one-to-one with members who don’t normally have direct contact with the lab.”

 

Many members stopped in to see the ARRL Icom Dream Station that one eligible member () is going to win. The grand prize for the ARRL Sweepstakes, an Icom IC-7760, sat on display in a glass case at the booth.

 

ARRL-sponsored forums were popular, especially a new one: Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Forum saw a packed house. “Salty Walt” Hudson, K4OGO, also had long lines to visit with him and get a signed copy of his new ARRL book, . The book, which made its debut at Hamvention, shows examples of successful antennas that Salty Walt has created for his fun seaside operating sessions. Salty Walt has amassed a large following on YouTube by bringing viewers along on his adventures and sharing his down-to-earth approach to tinkering. “What you saw in that forum,” said Hudson, “is where hams are today. What I try to do is simplify things. Go out, try, do, make mistakes. That’s what my is all about.”

 

Links - ARRL News Coverage of 2025 Dayton Hamvention®

 

See Hamvention in photos:

 

 

ARRL greeted and served thousands of members in the large expo area.

 

ARRL featured many activities for youth, including the Education and Learning booth, the ARRL Youth Rally and the ARRL Collegiate booth.

 

Salty Walt Hudson, K4OGO, author of Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook, hosted a packed forum and had long lines for people to get the book signed.

 

Dr. Duino

 

Hurricane Watch Net Remembers and Celebrates 60 Years

In September 1965, Hurricane Betsy hit Florida, the Bahamas, and the central US Gulf Cost. The damage was nearly $1.42 billion, earning the storm the nickname Billion Dollar Betsy. Forecasting for storms like Betsy was still in its infancy.

 

Flooding due to Betsy in New Orleans’ 9th Ward [NOAA photo]

Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, the current Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) manager, shared that amateur radio operator Gerald E. “Jerry” Murphy, K8YUW, then 28 years old, was stationed at the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Center in Davisville, Rhode Island. “During his time off, he handled countless phone patches and messages to and from military-deployed personnel as a member of the Intercontinental Amateur Radio Net (IARN) on 14.320 MHz. The public was becoming concerned,” said Graves. “In 1965, there wasn’t any access to 24-hour news and weather reports. Murphy suggested to the IARN net manager to move those interested in the storm up 5 kHz to get them off the net, and the net manager agreed. Marcy Rice, KZ5MM, located in the Canal Zone (Panama), followed Murphy, and together they established the first Hurricane Watch Net on 14.325 MHz.”

 

passed away in March 2025. Marcella E. Rice (Marcy) died in 1989.

 

Now, the HWN will host a two-day on-air special event to celebrate its 60th anniversary on June 7 – 8, 2025. Net control stations, located across the United States, will all operate using the callsign WX5HWN on or near 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz at the following times:

 

  • Saturday, June 7: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM EDT (1400 – 0100 UTC)
  • Sunday, June 8: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT (1400 – 2100 UTC) Note: Operations on 7.268 MHz will conclude at 3:00 PM EDT (1900 UTC).

A special commemorative certificate will be available by sending an email request to no later than June 30, 2025. This special event has been scheduled for the early days of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. While the season typically peaks from mid-August to late October, tropical cyclones can form at any time.

 

For more details about this event and the Hurricane Watch Net, visit: .

 

 

Geochron Global Operational Awareness

 

Use the 2025 ARRL Field Day Site Locator

2025 ARRL Field Day is five short weeks away on June 28 – 29. The highlights how radio ties our world together — bridging distances near and far, connecting people of all ages and walks of life through a shared interest in wireless technology, and providing a hands-on pathway for future technology leaders to experiment with radio as part of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula.

 

ARRL has made it easy for radio clubs to make in-person connections during the event. In addition to the resources available for promoting activations that are available on the Field Day website at , there is a site locator tool. Clubs can list their activations, and those looking to attend a Field Day site can find one in their area.

 

ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX, says the locator tool is important for bringing people together. “ARRL Field Day is a great opportunity to gather. Not only will members of the public be able to visit with radio amateurs about our hobby, but many not-so-active hams use the event as a chance to get on the air,” said Harrop. “The site locator is key for making those connections.”

 

With a little more than a month to go until the big weekend, there were 538 sites listed on the locator. To search for a site near you, just go to the map and zoom in on your area. Click on the red map pins for details about each site. To add information to the locator, click on “Add a Station”.

 

 

ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in North America. More than 31,000 hams participate each year. Connect with others who are preparing for the event in the official Facebook group.

 

New Book Release: Using the Baofeng® Radio

– Your Guide to a Handheld Ham Radio

 

Using the Baofeng® Radio is a new book from John Leonardelli, VE3IPS, published by ARRL. It provides detailed information on the settings screens for several popular Baofeng radios. It also includes cheat sheets with the most frequently used settings and helpful tips.

 

Leonardelli is a longtime Baofeng user and enthusiast, and his book gives readers everything they need to start using their handheld ham radio on the air legally, safely, and effectively.

 

The book details operating with the popular UV-5R, the rugged UV-82, and the DMR-enabled DR-1801UV. Using the Baofeng® Radio covers how to program and use these radios with only the front panel and built-in settings. It then elaborates on using the free programming software CHIRP to program memory channels using a laptop or home computer. Finally, it describes how to program the radio to communicate around the world using Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), which may be accessed through repeaters or mobile hotspots.

 

Using the Baofeng® Radio is now shipping. Order from the ARRL or find an ARRL ; ARRL Item No. 2240, ISBN: 978-1-62595-224-0, $19.95 retail. For additional questions or ordering, call 1-888-277-5289 toll-free in the US, Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 7 PM and Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. Outside the US, call (860) 594-0200.

 

Using the Baofeng® Radio is also available on Amazon in the .

 

Spring Season Section Manager Election Results

ARRL members in Utah have elected Brett Pruitt, K7BDP, of Hurricane, to continue as the ARRL Utah Section Manager, and his new term of office starts on July 1. Pruitt received 275 votes and Bob Craven, N7GTE, received 234 votes. Election ballots were counted on Tuesday, May 20, at ARRL Headquarters.

 

Pruitt was first appointed as Section Manager of the ARRL Utah Section on February 1, after previous Section Manager Pat Malan, N7PAT, resigned from the role in late January for health reasons.

 

Nevada will have a new Section Manager as of July 1, 2025. Craig McVeay, NØCSM, of Pahrump, was the only nominee to run for the new term of office when nominations closed on March 6. John Bigley, N7UR, the current Nevada Section Manager, decided not to run for a new term of office after serving as Section Manager for the past ten years.

 

The following incumbent Section Managers were unopposed after the spring season nomination deadline, and they have been declared re-elected. They will begin new two-year terms of office on July 1, 2025: Chris Van Winkle, AB3WG (Maryland/DC); Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H (Northern New Jersey); Nancy Austin, KC1NEK (Rhode Island); Steven Hendricks, KK6JTB (San Joaquin Valley), and David Overton, W5JDO (West Texas). The New Hampshire Section Manager position will be re-solicited in October QST for an 18-month term of office starting on January 1, 2026.

 

 

Amateur Radio in the News

“” / Dayton Daily News (Ohio) May 17, 2025 -- Dayton Hamvention®

 

“” / Barrietoday.com (May 17, 2025) -- The Radio Amateurs of Canada.

 

“” / Westside News (New York) May 18, 2025 -- The Rochester Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

“” / Leader Publications (Missouri) May 18, 2025 -- St. Pius X High School Amateur Radio Club.

 

“” / Tribune Chronical (Ohio) May 20, 2025 -- Joseph Badger Local Schools.

 

ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

On the Air LIVE

 

Live training for ARRL members. Join us for the next On the Air Live session -- an interactive, live training event hosted by ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF. These sessions take a deeper dive into practical topics designed to help you get the most out of your amateur radio experience.

 

Up Next: FT8 and FT4 for ARRL Field Day

 

Discover how to set up WSJT-X for FT8 and FT4 along with homebrew 10 and 15 meter antennas to participate in this year's ARRL Field Day.

 

We’ll cover:

• WSJT-X installation and setup

• How to operate FT8 and FT4

• Demonstration of each with a homebrew 10 meter antenna as featured in the May/June On the Air magazine

• WSJT-X specific setup for ARRL Field Day

 

📅 Date: May 27, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

👉

 

On the Air

Sponsored by Icom

 

Simple HF Antennas for Field Day

ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, returns to the to walk readers through his May/June 2025 On the Air article, "Building Simple Antennas for 10 and 15 Meters."

 

ARRL Audio News

Listen to , available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews and other features. The ARRL Audio News is now broadcast on FM low power radio stations KQRZ-LP 100.7 and 96.7 MHz FM in Spokane, Washington every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:00 AM PDT.

 

The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts.

|

 

Rigol RF Test GearRadioddity Xiegu X6200 Multi-mode HF RadioFlex Radio FT8

 
Schulman Auction Amateur Radio Equipment SpecialistsRig Expert Take on the Air

 

In Brief...

Amateur radio operators will be busy on Memorial Day 2025.

 

The in Kansas City, Missouri, will partner with area amateur radio operators to host special event station WW1USA Monday, May 26, 2025, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The mission of WW1USA is to:

 

  • raise awareness of World War 1, known then as the Great War
  • further the National WW1 Museum and Memorial's mission of teaching the history and lessons of World War 1
  • provide a positive image of amateur radio and expand the awareness locally and around the world.

There will be multiple events throughout the day and station operators are expected to contact hundreds of other amateur radio operators around the world. Individuals are welcome to serve as a guest operator of WW1USA at any time with all guests receiving a special amateur radio operator certificate. QSL with WW1USA will be available by mail with SASE or other postage provided or via eQSL. For more information email .

 

The will support the Dacula, Georgia 31st Memorial Day Parade May 26th, 2025. Amateur radio operators will on be site from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The theme for this years’ event is “They Answered the Call, They Paid the Price.” The Grand Marshall is 102-year-old Amry Veteran James L. Davis who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

 

The will hold their 2025 Memorial Day Hamfest on Monday May 26th from 7 AM - 1:00 PM. TALK-IN will be on the WA3DZD repeater 146.16/146.76, 223.16/224.76, and 449.0/444.0 with CTCSS 107.2. Admission is $10.00. The event is an ARRL sanctioned Hamfest.

 

Volunteers operate the controls of the DSES 60-foot dish antenna [Photo courtesy of DSES]

The Deep Space Exploration Society (DSES), KØPRT, recently held a community event to help foster engagement and educational outreach. Located in Colorado, the DSES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to practical astronomy and space science education for students, the general public, and society members. The club’s major project is continuing restoration and operation of a 60-foot dish antenna for radio astronomy and amateur radio experimenting. On April 26, 2025, DSES hosted an event that was specifically designed for educators and interested individuals from neighboring communities organized by member Rob McMasters, KJ7I. Thirty-five participants, including 16 adults, 11 children, and 8 DSES members, attended. Volunteers including Paul Sobon, NOØT, and Bill Thomas, WTØDX, operated the control console of the radio dish in preparation for an Earth Moon Earth (EME) communication demonstration. A last-minute equipment failure prevented the full demonstration, but a tour of the on-site underground amateur radio station featured a contact with a nuclear-powered ship located in Baltimore Harbor. The ship was calling as a special event station celebrating Marconi Day, and the radio contact with it showcased the capabilities of amateur radio. DSES is looking ahead and plans are in motion for future events, aimed at further cultivating these valuable relationships with local participants and amateur radio.

 

Three new members were inducted into the Amateur Radio Contest Hall of Fame on May 17, 2025, during Hamvention® weekend.

 

  • Pat Barkey, N9RV, has been an active CW contester and station builder since getting his first license as WN8YVR in Michigan in 1967.
  • John Laney III, K4BAI, was first licensed as KN4BAI in November 1954 at age 12.
  • Uli Weiss, DJ2YA, was playing around with crystal detectors when he was only 10 years old. In 1953, at the age of 15, he applied for an amateur radio license, but was rejected because Germany at the time had a minimum age of 18 years, so he became a very active SWL. In 1955, at age 17, the authorities allowed him to take the official examination .

You can read more about these new inductees at .

 

The Amateur Radio Contesting Hall of Fame is currently managed by the in memory of CQ publisher Dick Ross, K2MGA.

 

 

Announcements

ARRL honors and remembers the ultimate sacrifice made by those who served in the U.S. armed forces. ARRL Headquarters will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no on Memorial Day. ARRL Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, May 27, at 8 AM EDT. Visit the ARRL database to find on-the-air commemorations for Memorial Day 2025.

 

 

The ARRL Solar Report

This image was taken on May 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI]

ARRL Solar Report May 22, 2025

 

Solar activity increased to moderate levels this past week with an M1 solar flare on May 21 and a few minor C-class flares. There have been no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The Sun presently is at its solar maximum and is experiencing its highest amount of activity within its 11-year solar cycle. Solar flare activity is expected to remain low through May 24.

 

Ongoing influence from the coronal hole (CH) high speed stream (HSS) originating from the large, southern hemisphere positive polarity CH maintains an enhanced electron flux. Solar wind parameters have reflected persistent CH HSS influence. Unsettled conditions are likely on May 22. An enhancement of the geomagnetic field up to active levels is likely May 23 due to the arrival of several CMEs.

 

The 10.7 -centimeter flux: May 22, 115; May 23 – 26, 120; May 27, 130; May 28 – 29, 135; May 30 - 31, 140.

 

Predicted sunspot numbers: May 22, 145; May 23, 144; May 24, 145; May 25, 146.

 

For more information concerning radio propagation, the ARRL Technical Information Service, read , and the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

 

For customizable propagation charts, visit the .

 

Just Ahead in Radiosport

  • May 24 - 25 -- CQ Worldwide WPX Contest (CW)
  • May 26 -- QRP ARCI Hootowl Sprint (CW)
  • May 27 -- QCX Challenge (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 28 -- Phone Weekly Test (phone)
  • May 29 -- RSGB 80m Club Championship (CW)
  • May 30 - June 1 -- PODXS 070 Club Three Day Weekend Contest (digital)
  • May 31 -- Feld Hell Sprint (digital)
  • June 2 -- RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship, Data (digital)
  • June 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
  • June 4 -- Phone Weekly Test (phone)
  • June 4 -- A1 Club AWT (CW)

 

 

Remember to visit the for more events and information.

 

 

Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

  • May 30 - June 1 | , hosting the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
  • June 8 | , hosting the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Butler, Pennsylvania
  • June 21 | , hosting the ARRL Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
  • July 12 | , hosting the ARRL North Dakota Section Convention
  • July 13 | , hosting the ARRL Hudson Division Convention
  • July 26 | ARRL West Virginia State Convention and Ham Fest, Sutton, West Virginia

Remember to search the Database to find events in your area.

 

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