American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.
The K7RA Solar Update

Solar activity was up this week, with the average daily sunspot
number increasing from 133.7 to 139, and average daily solar flux
from 155.3 to 166.8.

Average daily planetary A index stayed the same at 7.3, and average
middle latitude A index went from 7.9 to 8.6.

Predicted solar flux doesn't show any improvement, with peaks at 170
on June 23-25 and July 20-21.

The forecast shows solar flux at 168, 16...

2023 SEA-PAC: Successful ARRL Northwestern Division Convention

“Surf a Radio Wave” was the headline for the Pacific Northwest's largest amateur radio convention, SEA-PAC, which held its 41st event, June 2 - 4, 2023, in Seaside, Oregon. The convention hosted the 2023 ARRL Northwestern Division Convention.

ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, delivered an inspiring keynote address at Saturday’s banquet. Goodgame spoke about current and f...

Gear up for 2023 ARRL Field Day!

2023 ARRL Field Day is just 3 weeks away, on June 24 - 25. It's the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada.

More than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach,...

ARRL Foundation Accepting Applications for Grants in June

The ARRL Foundation is now accepting grant applications from amateur radio organizations for eligible amateur radio-related projects and initiatives, particularly those focused on educating, licensing, and supporting amateur radio activities. To grow amateur radio's future, youth-based projects and initiatives are especially encouraged. The ARRL Foundation grants program accepts proposals on a ...

ARRL Hudson Division has New Vice Director

Ed Wilson, N2XDD, of Shirley, New York has been appointed Vice Director of the ARRL Hudson Division by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR.

Wilson succeeds Nomar Vizcarrondo, NP4H, who was appointed Director of the ARRL Hudson Division in March. Wilson will serve in the position for the remainder of the 3-year term that ends December 31, 2024.

Having developed an interest in radio as a child, Wils...

Licensee Hit With $24,000 Fine for Jamming Net, Failure to ID: FCC

An investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) results in a large fine against a California amateur radio license holder. A Notice of Apparent Liability Forfeiture (NALF) for $24,000 has been filed against Phillip J. Beaudet, N6PJB, of Burney, California. According to the filing, the penalty is for Beaudet “willfully and repeatedly interfering with the radio communications of t...

Museum Ships On-the-Air Weekend

If you like ships and are an amateur radio operator, 100 ships will be on the air from June 3 - 4 for the annual Museum Ships Weekend event.

Organizers stress that this is not a contest, but a fun event that begins at 0000Z on June 3, 2023, and runs through 2359Z on June 4, 2023.

While operation on any amateur frequency is allowed, most ships will be operating in the general portion of the bands....

The K7RA Solar Update

Average daily solar flux values dropped over the past week, but
sunspot numbers were nearly the same, comparing May 25 to 31 to the
previous week.

Average daily solar flux declined from 161.2 to 155.3. Geomagnetic
indicators were quieter, with average daily planetary A index
declining from 17.1 to 7.3, and middle latitude numbers from 14.4 to
7.9.

Predicted solar flux is 160 on June 2, 155 on June 3-4...

ARRL Elected to Serve on SAFECOM

ARRL  The National Association for Amateur Radio® has been elected to serve on SAFECOM®. SAFECOM is a group of national thought leaders and officials within the emergency communications and response space that works to set standards used at every level. The program is managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security.

SAFE...

“He Touched So Many Lives” Chip Margelli, K7JA (SK)

The airwaves are markedly dimmer this week, social media is filled with heartfelt tributes, and industry leaders are mourning. Longtime fixture of amateur radio Charles “Chip” Margelli, K7JA, passed away after a brief illness. Margelli was an ARRL Life Member.

“The light and love of my life is gone,” Margelli’s widow Janet, KL7MF, posted on Facebook. “He enjoyed 60 wonderful years as a ham and 4...

The K7RA Solar Update

Both 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 150 on May 26, 155 on May 27 and 28,...

Section Manager Update: Austin Elected, Bigley Re-elected, Gendron Appointed

The results of two balloted Section Manager elections held this spring were determined when the ballots were counted at ARRL Headquarters on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

John Bigley, N7UR, incumbent Section Manager of the ARRL Nevada Section, was re-elected when he received 277 votes, and Jim Shepherd, W6US, of Sparks, received 177 votes. Bigley, of Las Vegas, has been serving as Section Manager since...

Dayton Hamvention® 2023 Wrap Up

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 thi...

ARRL Headquarters Will Be Closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29

ARRL  The National Association for Amateur Radio® honors and remembers the ultimate sacrifice made by those who served in the U.S. armed forces. ARRL Headquarters will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. Many of the member services and information offered by ARRL are accessible on our website 24/7.

There will be no W1AW code practice or bulletin transmissions on Memori...

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.

Gomez is an attorney with decades of experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Go...