swmopacket.org

High frequecy and VHF radio propagation data, solar and geomagnetic real-time and historic data, sunspot activity reports, as well as forecasts. A comprehensive propagation resource compiled by Tomas Hood, editor of the propagation columns of CQ, CQ VHF, Popular Communications, and Monitoring Times magazines.

Run Spectrum Analyzer in your PC, both for windows and linux. Freeware and shareware software that can convert your PC into a powerful spectrum analyzer

Technical Reference/Morse Keys
OH7SV five cent morse key

Antennas/Baluns
This article reviews the proposition that a 4:1 current balun in the style of Guanella can be constructed with both pairs of windings sharing a common magnetic circuit.

Antennas/Vertical
This article explores the performance of an unloaded vertical as a multi-band HF antenna.

Operating Modes/QRP/Clubs
The New England QRP Club is where “The excitement is building….”

Technical Reference/Radio Programming Cable
This article describes a generalised unit for interfacing a transceiver’s TTL/CMOS interface to RS-232.

Software/Circuit Design
NFM (for Noise Figure Meter) is a software application to assist Noise Figure measurement. NFM implements the method of Agilent application notes AN 57-1 and AN 57-2 for noise figure measurement, but with the addition of an adjustable attenuator after the noise source and between the DUT and instrument.

Internet and Radio/Online Receivers
Live streaming audio of VHF marine radio channels 05A, 16, and 22A from Manasquan, NJ.

Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Yaesu FT-857
OD Repainting the Yaesu 857D Ham Radio, rapid deploy amateur radio station n0eq

Harry Dannals, W2HD — who led the ARRL as President from 1972-1982 and was named ARRL President Emeritus in 1984 — has been named President Emeritus of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). Dannals also served as President of QCWA from 1989-1994; he is the only person to ever serve as President to both organizations. In addition to his work with the QCWA and ARRL, Dannals is a Fellow in the Radio Club of America (RCA), a member of the Society of Wireless Pioneers (SOWP), the Old Old Timers Club (OOTC) and the Veteran Wireless Operators Association (VWOA). In 2002, he was inducted into the CQ Magazine Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. “I was pleased to learn that the QCWA’s leadership has conferred upon Harry Dannals this very well-deserved accolade,” said ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. “As the only person to have served as President of the ARRL and the QCWA, he is unique among amateurs.”

In a posting on January 28 to the FCC’s blog, Mindel DeLaTorre — the Commission’s International Bureau Chief — noted how Amateur Radio operators are assisting with communications support in earthquake ravaged Haiti. “The amateur radio community is also contributing to the relief efforts,” she wrote. “In the aftermath of the earthquake, the amateur radio community in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere has dedicated equipment and spectrum resources to the relief efforts.” DeLaTorre reiterated that those who want to assist in the relief effort must go through the proper channels: “For anyone wanting to help, to protect against harmful interference, it is important to go through the Haitian government before any radio equipment or spectrum resources are used in Haiti.”

We’ve seen average daily sunspot numbers for this reporting week. Since last Thursday through Wednesday this week, the numbers rose more than 9 points to 28; the average solar flux slipped more than 2 points to 81.9. Geomagnetic indices were a tiny bit lower. Sunspot numbers for January 21-27 were 17, 30, 40, 32, 34, 28 and 15, with a mean of 28. The 10.7 cm flux was 82.6, 82.4, 84.6, 84.6, 81.2, 79.8 and 77.8, with a mean of 81.9. The estimated planetary A indices were 4, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3 and 2, with a mean of 3.1. The estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 2, 4, 2, 3, 1 and 0, with a mean of 2.3. The predicted solar flux for January 29-31 is 76, 80 on February 1-2, 82 on February 3-5 and 88-89 for the following five days. We don’t see any geomagnetic upset predicted until February 16, with the planetary A index only rising to 10, which is hardly an upset.

On the road, Surfin’ views the world of radio through the windshield.

With the coming of the new ARRL Web site, we are looking at ways to better bring you Amateur Radio news. In order to do this properly, we will be temporarily suspending the ARRL Audio News while we look for solutions that will enable us to provide the technical quality and distribution channels that you expect from the ARRL. The last edition of the ARRL Audio News (for now) will be produced on Thursday, January 28.