November, 2006

< Prev Page 8 Next >

SUNSPOTS
(excerpted with permission from ARRL Propagation Bulletin )
Bill Huntimer, KI0CW in Dell Rapids, South Dakota wrote to ask, "Would you explain what sunspots do to radio interference?"
Sunspots can be great for HF radio propagation. The more sunspots we see, the greater the density of charged particles in the ionosphere, which reflect or refract radio waves. Higher densities mean higher frequencies can propagate worldwide, instead of just passing through the ionosphere and off into space. When there are sunspots, there is also the possibility of other solar activity, such as solar flares, and holes in the Sun's corona, which can spew out a solar wind of charged particles. These particles, as well as x-rays from flares, may disturb the Earth's magnetic field, and cause charged particles in the ionosphere to re-combine, canceling the charge. Lower density of charged particles means that the Maximum Usable Frequency is lower. In addition, polar cap absorption occurs, so propagation over the poles becomes poor. Sometimes in the media, we may hear of interference to broadcast TV or FM radio signals related to sunspots. The interference can be from distant stations, when listeners are accustomed to hearing only local stations. The interference is actually due to improved propagation. For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.
Tad Cook K7RA
(Thanks, Neil, W3ZQI for forwarding this to us ...)

Special event for HMS Hood remembrance
The HMS Hood Association will be airing special event station GB2HA from 4 to 12 November in remembrance of the famous battleship. The station’s operator Malcolm Butler, G0LMD, aims to make contacts with radio amateurs both in the UK and further afield. HMS Hood was the pride of the British Naval Fleet at the start of the Second World War. She was destroyed in one of the most famous naval battles of the war. On 24 May 1941 in the Denmark Strait, the Hood and fellow Royal Navy warship the Prince of Wales took on German battleships Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen. Hood was sunk in the ensuing battle. Only three members of her 1,421 crew survived. Of these three, only Ted Briggs is still alive. The HMS Hood Association was set up in 1975. The GB2HA special event station has been aired every year since 1995. The frequencies being used this year are 40, 20 and 2m. You can find out more about the Hood Association on the web at www.hmshood.com

German amateur radio license changes
German Novice class operators have been given permission to operate on the HF bands as part of a major shake-up of Germany’s amateur radio licenses. From 1 September, German D O prefix stations are allowed to transmit 100W on 1.810 to 1.850MHz and on 80, 15 and 10m. They are also allowed to use 2m and 70cm at up to 75W. In addition, German Novices can experiment on the 10GHz band but are limited to a maximum output of only 5W PEP. The German class A license has also been updated. Class A licensees can now transmit on 7.100 to 7.200MHz with 250W PEP and on 50MHz as well. [RSGB]

ARRL 500 kHz Experiment in Organizational Phase
The project manager for the ARRL 500-kHz experiment, Fritz Raab, W1FR, says "The 500 KC Experimental Group for Amateur Radio" is still in the organizational stages. The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology on September 13 granted Part 5 experimental license WD2XSH to the ARRL on behalf of a group of radio amateurs interested in investigating the LF spectrum. The two-year authorization permits experimentation and research between 505 and 510 kHz (600 meters) using narrowband modes at power levels of up to 20 W effective radiated power (ERP).

DXCC Desk approves operation for DXCC credit
The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved these operations for DXCC credit: 9Q1D (Democratic Republic of the Congo), current operation beginning September 22, 2006. This accreditation also includes 9Q1TB and 9Q1EK.. Also approved TT8LN (Chad) Feb. 12-June 5, 2006. A reminder: The DXCC Desk now is accepting submissions for Swain's Island (KH8). For more information, visit the DXCC Web page.

November, 2006

< Prev Page 8 Next >