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About Amateur Radio News and Notes Podcast
News and notes for Amateur Radio Operators and members of the Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club compiled by Ed N2EC. mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
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- Ed N2EC
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- science · technology
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- en
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- First episode
- 7 Mar 2025
- Latest episode
- 9 Oct 2026
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79 episodes in the feed.
9 Oct 2026
Amateur Radio News and Notes 10/9/2026
In the log this week * AMSAT Space Symposium Live Streaming Friday and Saturday * Contest Spotlight: Scandinavian Activity Contest * WRTC Announces Croatia as 2030 Location * MVARC Nets on the Air * What’s happening with DX? * Solar Activity Update * Upcoming Contests * Interesting Online Radio Content As always, links to all referenced content can be found in the show notes, or at our Substack at mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com). Thanks for reading Amateur Radio News and Notes. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. AMSAT Space Symposium Live Streaming Friday and Saturday Image Courtesy https://www.amsat.org/ (https://www.amsat.org/) This weekend brings the 44th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. This year, AMSAT is streaming all the presentations on their YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@amsatna), so even if you’re not in Jacksonville this year, you can join in the fun. The presentations start on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 1 PM Eastern Time (1700 UTC) with presentations on the CubeSat Simulator project, teaching technology to middle and high school students, and a celebration of 25 years of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. The presentations continue on Saturday morning at 9 AM Eastern Time (1300 UTC) with presentations on tracking amateur satellites, updates on AMSAT’s operations and initiatives, modernizing AMSAT satellite command and control, SDR-Gen2 Status updates, and an AMSAT engineering update. If you’re interested in satellites in amateur radio, this promises to be a very informative set of talks. For more information visit AMSAT’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@amsatna (https://www.youtube.com/@amsatna) and their web site at https://www.amsat.org/ (https://www.amsat.org/). Contest Spotlight: Scandinavian Activity Contest Image Courtesy https://www.sactest.net/blog/ (https://www.sactest.net/blog/) This weekend brings this year’s edition of the SSB portion of the Scandinavian Activity Contest. The aim of the contest is to promote amateur radio activity in Scandinavia and communications between the region and the rest of the world. For the purposes of the contest call signs from Svalbard and Bear Island, Jan Mayen, Norway, Finland, Aland Islands, Market Reef, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland are considered to be part of Scandinavia. The fun starts at 1200 UTC (8 AM Eastern Time) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 and continues until 1159 UTC (7:59 AM Eastern Time) Sunday. Bands include 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Entry categories include Single Operator, Multi-Operator Single Transmitter (MULTI-ONE), and Multi-Operator Multi-Transmitter (MULTI-MULTI). For Single Ops there is also a choice of power level of High (1500 Watts or less), Low (100 Watts or less), and QRP (5 Watts or less). Scandinavian Single Ops also may enter as single band and International Single Ops can do a “low band” entry using only 80 and 40 meters. The exchange is signal report plus a serial number starting at 001. Stations may be worked 1 time per band. QSO points for Scandinavian stations are 2 for every European station (outside Scandinavia) and 3 points for Non-European stations. For non-Scandinavian stations European stations get 1 point per Scandinavian QSO and non-European stations get 1 point for Scandinavian QSOs on 20, 15, and 10 meters and 3 points for Scandinavian QSOs on 80 and 40 meters. Multipliers are each DXCC entity for Scandinavian stations and each worked prefix number (0-9) in each Scandinavian DXCC entity. Those without a prefix number count as the 0 call prefix. Multipliers count for each band. Final score is QSO points multiplied by the sum of multipliers worked on all bands. Logs must be submitted in Cabrillo format and they ask you to keep all QSOs including dupes in your logs to facilitate log checking. Electronic submission is required no later than 5 days after the end of the contest. More information about the contest and links to the rules and log submissions can be found at https://www.sactest.net/ (https://www.sactest.net/). This promises to be a fun way to work the Scandinavian countries on the bands. Good luck. WRTC Announces Croatia as 2030 Location Image Courtesy https://www.wrtc2030.hr/ (https://www.wrtc2030.hr/) On October 3, 2026 the World Radiosport Team Championship Sanctioning Committee announced that it had accepted the application from the Croatian Amateur Radio Association to host the 2030 edition of WRTC. The event will be held in the Slavonia region of Croatia which is bordered by the Danube, Drava, and Sava rivers. Accordingly, the first qualifying event for WRTC 2030 will be the 2026 9A DX Contest. Congratulations to the Croatian Amateur Radio Association for their selection. For more information visit https://www.wrtc2030.hr/ (https://www.wrtc2030.hr/). MVARC Nets on the Air * 2 Meter FM Net: Tuesdays at 7 PM [146.655/- MHz (141.3 Hz PL Tone) ] * 2 Meter Digital Net: Immediately Follows 2 Meter FM Net [146.655/- MHz C4FM] * MVARC Slow Speed CW Roundtable: Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 AM [3.565 MHz CW] * MVARC Cherry Tree Net: Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 AM [3.920 MHz LSB] What’s Happening with DX There will be a lot of DX on the air this week. Stations on the air include Namibia (V51WH), Maldives (8Q7JH), Samoa (5W0AF), Wallis and Futuna (FW1P), Democratic Republic of Congo (9T0MD), Lesotho (7P8LZ, 7P8JL, 7P8TR), Gambia (C5R), Dodecanese (SV5/TF1OL), Solomon Island (H44MS, H49A), Somalia (6O2M), Svalbard (JW5X), Iceland (TF/PD9DX), Albania (ZA/AE5X), Malta (9H/IQ8BBV), Montserrat (VP2MAW, VP2MBJ, VP2MBK, VP2MBN, VP2MBL, VP2MAU, VP2MBM), Fiji (3D2HM), Vanuatu (YJ1JXZ), Saint Kitts and Nevis (V47FWX), and Eswatini (3DA0GY). A calendar of DXpeditions can be found at NG3K’s Announced DX Operations List at https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html (https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html). Solar Activity Update As we go to press the Solar Flux Index (SFI) was 119 and the estimated sunspot number was 69 with 3 numbered sunspot regions visible from Earth. Over the last week the SFI has increased. Solar activity has been at high levels in the last 24 hours. The geomagnetic field has been at quiet levels in the last 24 hours and the Kp index reached 2 yesterday. The solar wind peaked at 396 km/s. Solar activity is predicted to be moderate with a slight chance of X-class flares today through Sunday. The geomagnetic field is forecast to be at quiet to major storm levels today, at quiet to active levels on Saturday, and at quiet to minor storm levels on Sunday. The chance of solar radiation storms at the S1 or greater level is at 10% today through Sunday. R1 to R2 radio blackouts are likely with a predicted probability of 55% today through Sunday. R3 or greater blackouts are possible with a 10% chance predicted today through Sunday. It remains a fantastic time for amateurs to get on the air and work the world. Good sources of real-time solar information include https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/ (https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/) and https://solarham.com/ (https://solarham.com/). A good overview of conditions can be found at https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/ (https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/). To see D-layer absorption data and associated radio blackouts, visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap). To see real-time Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Critical Frequency (foF2) information from radiosonde data, visit https://prop.kc2g.com/ (https://prop.kc2g.com/). Upcoming Contests This weekend brings the Scandinavian Activity Contest we spotlighted earlier also on the air will be Oceania DX Contest on CW, the Makrothen RTTY Contest, the QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party, the 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint, the SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, the Arizona QSO Party, the Pennsylvania QSO Party, the South Dakota QSO Party, the PODXS 070 Club 160 meter Great Pumpkin Sprint, the UBA ON Contest on CW, and the 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint. As always the K1USN SSTs, the MSTs, and the CWTs will also be on the air. The full contest calendar with events and exchanges can be found at https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php (https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php). Interesting Online Radio Content George VK2AOE shows his group's effort for the Oceania DX SSB Contest - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R519-GonRHw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R519-GonRHw) Ralph WA2PUX explains how a MOSFET works - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvA3OpML9WE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvA3OpML9WE) Walt K4OGO uses a portable Moxon antenna to get DX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McfJA-62Nfc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McfJA-62Nfc) Josh KI6NAZ sets up an M17 hotspot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyiUrrL7zeE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyiUrrL7zeE) Dr. Tamitha Skov WX6SWW talks about solar storms that are going to make for a stormy weekend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDhIs2WfZKc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDhIs2WfZKc) George VK2AOE explores listening to airband communications with an SDR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfn1txuz1Mc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfn1txuz1Mc) Kevin W1DED talks to the VK9XY team about their upcoming Christmas Island DXpedition - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmBq9D8rKf8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmBq9D8rKf8) Tim G5TM makes a multi-band vertical antenna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36C8HkF6aM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36C8HkF6aM) Tim K5OHY uses WSPR to compare antenna performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iznGtKa5NX4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iznGtKa5NX4) Robert W5ITR takes a look at the new JTTY mode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01AktAezqk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01AktAezqk) Jim WT1W shows the tool he developed to do RF exposure calculations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHj7-_bM34U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHj7-_bM34U) Josh KI6NAZ sings the praises of the iFixit Soldering Station - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqm9LtPDF8A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqm9LtPDF8A) Walt K4OGO does a test run of his DX travel kit from the beach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zlPCTxDbIs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zlPCTxDbIs) Steve KM9G looks at the Boondock Edge for offline transcription of radio signals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZDKUySSCNA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZDKUySSCNA) That’s it for this week. Best 73, Ed N2EC This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
2 Oct 2026
Amateur Radio News and Notes 10/2/2026
In the log this week * Contest Spotlight: Oceania DX Contest SSB * FCC and HHS Open Comment Periods for RF Exposure * JTTY Mode Added to WSJT-X Release Candidate * MVARC Nets on the Air * What’s happening with DX? * Solar Activity Update * Upcoming Contests * Interesting Online Radio Content As always, links to all referenced content can be found in the show notes, or at our Substack at mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com). Thanks for reading Amateur Radio News and Notes. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Contest Spotlight: Oceania DX Contest SSB This weekend and next weekend brings the 83rd Oceania DX Contest with SSB this weekend and CW next weekend. The fun on SSB starts on Saturday, October 3 at 0600 UTC (2 AM Eastern Time) and continues until 0600 UTC Sunday (2AM Eastern Time). The stated objective of the contest is for those in Oceania to contact as many stations as possible both inside and outside the Oceania region and for those outside of Oceania to contact as many stations inside of Oceania as possible. Bands in play are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Entry categories are Single Operator at High Power (1500 Watts and under), Low Power (100 Watts and under), and QRP (5 Watts and under), Multi-Operator Single Transmitter (High Power), Multi-Operator Two Transmitter (High Power), Multi-Operator Multi Transmitter (High Power), Short Wave Listener (SWL), and Check Log. The exchange is RS(T) plus a progressive serial number starting at 001 and incremented by 1 for each contact. Multipliers are the number of different valid prefixes (the first letters and number of a call, e.g. N8, OE2, LY1000) worked, per band. Contact points are 20 points on 160 meters, 10 points on 80 meters, 5 points on 40 meters, 1 point on 20 meters, 2 points on 15 meters, and 3 points on 10 meters. Total score is the sum of contact points multiplied by the sum of multipliers. Logs must be submitted no later than 2359 UTC on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This contest is an exciting way to get lots of Oceania DX in the log. Kevin W1DED had a great interview with Grant VK5GR and Holger ZL3IO at where they discussed the contest as well as some of the strategy to be able to work stations on the other side of the world via long path. For full rules and details visit https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/ (https://www.oceaniadxcontest.com/). Good luck and good DX. FCC and HHS Open Comment Periods for RF Exposure The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have opened comment periods for RF safety issues. The FCC issued a public notice (https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-requests-comment-rf-exposure-remand-0) seeking comments from qualified individuals in reference to a remand from the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2021 about potential health impacts of radio frequency exposure. The HHS issued a Request for Information (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/21/2026-19252/request-for-information-on-electromagnetic-fields-emfs-radiofrequency-rf-radiation-and-wireless) along with a press release (https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-seeks-public-input-electromagnetic-fields-wireless-radiation.html) seeking comment on health experiences and clinical observations, exposure standards, risk assessment, and existing scientific evidence. As the ARRL notes (https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-and-hhs-initiate-new-proceedings-on-rf-exposure), these inquiries do not change the current FCC RF exposure rules that apply to amateurs. However, if rules are found to be insufficient, changes could be forthcoming. For more information visit the links below. https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-and-hhs-initiate-new-proceedings-on-rf-exposure (https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-and-hhs-initiate-new-proceedings-on-rf-exposure) https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-requests-comment-rf-exposure-remand-0 (https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-requests-comment-rf-exposure-remand-0) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/21/2026-19252/request-for-information-on-electromagnetic-fields-emfs-radiofrequency-rf-radiation-and-wireless (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/21/2026-19252/request-for-information-on-electromagnetic-fields-emfs-radiofrequency-rf-radiation-and-wireless) https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-seeks-public-input-electromagnetic-fields-wireless-radiation.html (https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-seeks-public-input-electromagnetic-fields-wireless-radiation.html) JTTY Mode Added to WSJT-X Release Candidate Image Courtesy WSJT-X GitHub (https://wsjtx.github.io/wsjtx/wsjtx-main-3.2_en.html#JTTY) The WSJT-X project announced that the latest release candidate for the popular software known for weak signal modes including FT8 has a brand new mode intended to work similarly to Radioteletype (RTTY) that they are calling JTTY. In the release notes for WSJT-X 3.2.0-rc1 (https://wsjtx.github.io/wsjtx/Release_Notes.txt) they say that JTTY is meant for keyboard-to-keyboard communication and it improves the weak signal performance of RTTY and a provides a low error rate. It does not require the time synchronization that many of the other WSJT modes require and uses a 4-tone GFSK waveform with 1.888 second frames in 127 Hz of bandwidth. It is still early days for JTTY as it is only in the release candidate and not the main version of the app, but as it moves to general availability it should be widely available to anyone who uses the WSJT-X suite. DXZone has an article that goes into detail on the new mode and how to use it at https://www.dxzone.com/jtty-digital-mode-wsjt-x/ (https://www.dxzone.com/jtty-digital-mode-wsjt-x/). The recommended center of activity from the developers is at 14.090 MHz and is subject to change. More information can be found at the links below. https://www.dxzone.com/jtty-digital-mode-wsjt-x/ (https://www.dxzone.com/jtty-digital-mode-wsjt-x/) https://wsjtx.github.io/wsjtx/Release_Notes.txt (https://wsjtx.github.io/wsjtx/Release_Notes.txt) MVARC Nets on the Air * 2 Meter FM Net: Tuesdays at 7 PM [146.655/- MHz (141.3 Hz PL Tone) ] * 2 Meter Digital Net: Immediately Follows 2 Meter FM Net [146.655/- MHz C4FM] * MVARC Slow Speed CW Roundtable: Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 AM [3.565 MHz CW] * MVARC Cherry Tree Net: Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 AM [3.920 MHz LSB] What’s Happening with DX There will be a lot of DX on the air this week. Stations on the air include Namibia (V51WH), Maldives (8Q7JH), Samoa (5W0AF), Naoero (C21DA), Greenland (OX3LX), Ogasawara (JD1BON, JD1BOK, JE1NVD/JD1, JI1CRM/JD1), Wllis and Futuna (FW1P), Cyprus SBA (ZC4OL), Democratic Republic of Congo (9T0MD), Micronesia (V61GSE), Lesotho (7P8LZ, 7P8JL, 7P8TR), Juan Fernandez Island (XR0Z), Gambia (C5R), Solomon Island (H44MS, H49A), Somalia (6O2M), Svalbard (JW5X), Iceland (TF/PD9DX), and Albania (ZA/AE5X). A calendar of DXpeditions can be found at NG3K’s Announced DX Operations List at https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html (https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html). Solar Activity Update As we go to press the Solar Flux Index (SFI) was 92 and the estimated sunspot number was 38 with 2 numbered sunspot regions visible from Earth. Over the last week the SFI has decreased. Solar activity has been at very low levels in the last 24 hours. The geomagnetic field has been at quiet levels in the last 24 hours and the Kp index reached 2 yesterday. The solar wind peaked at 315 km/s. Solar activity is predicted to be at very low levels with a slight chance of M-class flares today through Sunday. The geomagnetic field is forecast to be at quiet to minor storm levels today, at quiet to active levels on Saturday, and at unsettled levels to minor storm levels on Sunday. The chance of solar radiation storms at the S1 or greater level is at 1% today through Sunday. R1 to R2 radio blackouts are possible with a predicted probability of 15% today through Sunday. R3 or greater blackouts are unlikely with a 1% chance predicted today through Sunday. It remains a fantastic time for amateurs to get on the air and work the world. Good sources of real-time solar information include https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/ (https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/) and https://solarham.com/ (https://solarham.com/). A good overview of conditions can be found at https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/ (https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/). To see D-layer absorption data and associated radio blackouts, visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap). To see real-time Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Critical Frequency (foF2) information from radiosonde data, visit https://prop.kc2g.com/ (https://prop.kc2g.com/). Upcoming Contests This weekend brings the Oceania DX Contest on SSB we spotlighted earlier along with the George Batterson 1936 QSO Party, the Collegiate QSO Party, the TRC DX Contest, the German Telegraphy Contest, the IARU Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest, the California QSO Party, the International HELL-Contest, the 50 MHz Fall Sprint, the IARU Region 2 Area G HF SSB Contest, the UBA ON Contest on SSB, and the Peanut Power QRP Sprint. As always the K1USN SSTs, the MSTs, and the CWTs will also be on the air. The full contest calendar with events and exchanges can be found at https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php (https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php). Interesting Online Radio Content Dr. Tamitha Skov WX6SWW talks about solar storms, coronal holes, and the week ahead in solar weather - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ACtQ6iGhno (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ACtQ6iGhno) Michael N4FFF and Becky N4BKY give an introduction to satellite operation on both FM and linear satellites for CW and SSB - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvne7jfZovw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvne7jfZovw) Johnny W5KV takes a look at an inexpensive magnetic loop antenna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjbVnaHHZE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjbVnaHHZE) Mike K8MRD restores a Yaesu FT-8800 he picked up at a hamfest - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiozAjwOL-s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiozAjwOL-s) Michael KB9VBR reviews the DX Launcher antenna launcher system - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BHhpzUl7fU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BHhpzUl7fU) Cleo from Huge If True takes a look at the Sun and how it works from the inside out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNkxTjirY-Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNkxTjirY-Q) Callum M0MCX shows how he used AI to build amateur radio software - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYaTEF5seKs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYaTEF5seKs) Tim K5OHY builds a 40 meter loop from his doublet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21W7lu5dmKo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21W7lu5dmKo) Steve KM9G takes a look at what's inside the new Xiegu G7250 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAaz5RHYPB4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAaz5RHYPB4) Jim WT1W looks at updates to ChronAlert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQCLiE0O8Mw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQCLiE0O8Mw) Mark KD7DTS and Tim N7KOM activate SOTA with 2 meter CW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVmQvQ4LXDs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVmQvQ4LXDs) Mike K8MRD shows his load out for a new radio bag from AliExpress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-fcpL28FDg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-fcpL28FDg) Tim K5OHY compares RBN data for a dipole and a 40 meter loop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga-SmFOKoz0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga-SmFOKoz0) That’s it for this week. Best 73, Ed N2EC This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
25 Sept 2026
Amateur Radio News and Notes 9/25/2026
In the log this week * Xiegu Announces Price of G7250 SDR and Begins Pre-Sales * Contest Spotlight: CQ World Wide RTTY Contest * Special Event Spotlight: Masonic Lodges on the Air * ARDC Accepting Volunteer Applications for 2027 * MVARC Nets on the Air * What’s happening with DX? * Solar Activity Update * Upcoming Contests * Interesting Online Radio Content As always, links to all referenced content can be found in the show notes, or at our Substack at mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com). Thanks for reading Amateur Radio News and Notes. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Xiegu Announces Price of G7250 SDR and Begins Pre-Sales Image Courtesy Radioddity (https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-g7250) After the initial teaser in July, Radioddity has started pre-sales and announced a price for the Xiegu G7250 SDR. The radio is selling for $999 US with delivery expected in November to December depending on the shipping method chosen. The rig is a 100 Watt Direct Sampling Software Defined Radio with 90 Watts on the 6 meter band. It also has a 7 inch touchscreen and physical buttons on a control head that is split from the main RF unit. It also has a 3:1 internal ATU and inbuilt sound card for digital modes. There have been a handful of reviewers online who have started to receive pre-production versions, so expect more information to be forthcoming. For more information visit https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-g7250 (https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-g7250). Contest Spotlight: CQ World Wide RTTY Contest Image Courtesy https://cqwwrtty.com/ (https://cqwwrtty.com/) This weekend brings the CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest, one of the largest RTTY contests of the year. The organizers expect 15,000 participants and over 3,600 log submissions this year. The fun starts on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 0000 UTC (8 PM Eastern Time on Friday Night) and continues until 2359 UTC Sunday (7:59 PM Eastern Time on Sunday Night). The stated objective is to contact as many amateurs in as many CQ zones, countries, and US/Canadian QTHs as possible. There are only 5 bands in the RTTY contest including 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The contest exchange is an RST plus CQ Zone, so for East Coast stations it would be “599 05” and US and Canadian stations can also send their QTH (e.g. “599 05 VA”). QSO Points are 3 for contacts on different continents, 2 for the same continent but different country, and 1 point for stations in the same country. Multipliers are CQ Zones, Countries, and U.S. States and Provinces. Total Score is QSO Points multiplied by the sum of Zone, Country, and QTH Multipliers. Operating categories include Single Operator and Single Operator Assisted at the High Power (1500 Watts or less), Low Power (100 Watts or Less) and QRP (5 Watts or Less) for all bands or single bands. For Multi-operator categories there are Multi-Single with only one transmitted signal at High or Low Power, Multi-Two with a maximum of two signals at High Power only, Multi-Multi with all 5 bands being able to be activated simultaneously at High Power only, and Multi-distributed for up to 5 transmitted signals one per band from different locations at High Power only. There are also overlays for single ops for Classic operator with no spotting assistance with 24 total hours operated with 60 minute minimum off times, Rookie for ops licensed within the last 3 years, and Youth for ops 25 years age or younger. The full rules can be found at https://cqwwrtty.com/rules.htm (https://cqwwrtty.com/rules.htm). Logs must be submitted within 48 hours of the end of the contest. Full information about the contest can be found at https://cqwwrtty.com/ (https://cqwwrtty.com/). Good luck. Special Event Spotlight: Masonic Lodges on the Air Image Courtesy https://cqmorelight.com/ (https://cqmorelight.com/) This Saturday brings the 5th edition of Masonic Lodges on the Air. Started in 2021, the objective of the event is to contact as many Masonic Lodges as possible during the contest period. The fun starts at 1400 UTC (10 AM Eastern Time) on Saturday and continues until 2200 UTC (6 PM Eastern Time) for a total duration of 8 hours. The entry categories are Single Operator, Multi-Operator Single-Transmitter, and Multi-Operator Multi-Transmitter. In all cases one call sign should be used. The exchange for those operating from a Masonic Lodge is call sign, lodge name, Number, and Jurisdiction (e.g. “K4US Mount Vernon 219 Virginia”). For stations not at a Masonic lodge the exchange would be call sign and state or province (e.g. “N2EC Virginia”). DX stations send DX for the location. QSO Points are 1 for each non-duplicate contact and multipliers are the number of Lodges worked (1 per Lodge, regardless of band). Final score is the QSO Points multiplied by the sum of Multipliers. The Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club will be operating once again this year from Mount Vernon Lodge No. 219 as K4US, so look for us on the air. For more information visit https://cqmorelight.com/ (https://cqmorelight.com/). Good luck. ARDC Accepting Volunteer Applications for 2027 Image Courtesy ARDC (https://www.ardc.net/volunteer-with-ardc-in-2027/) Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a foundation whose mission is to “support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to promote amateur radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open access, and innovation in information and communication technology”. ARDC has significant resources from its endowment generated by the sale of 25% of the 44 net IP address space and uses those funds to provide grants to further its mission. To that end, the ARDC is seeking volunteers to participate in reviewing grant applications, advise on technical matters, communicate with the public, and provide internal oversight. Applications are open from September 15, 2026 until October 30, 2026 and are open to amateur radio licensees or those with technical degrees or experience in digital communication. ARDC has been making a significant impact in advancing and supporting the amateur radio hobby, so consider volunteering with ARDC. For more information visit https://www.ardc.net/volunteer-with-ardc-in-2027/ (https://www.ardc.net/volunteer-with-ardc-in-2027/). MVARC Nets on the Air * 2 Meter FM Net: Tuesdays at 7 PM [146.655/- MHz (141.3 Hz PL Tone) ] * 2 Meter Digital Net: Immediately Follows 2 Meter FM Net [146.655/- MHz C4FM] * MVARC Slow Speed CW Roundtable: Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 AM [3.565 MHz CW] * MVARC Cherry Tree Net: Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 AM [3.920 MHz LSB] What’s Happening with DX There will be a lot of DX on the air this week. Stations on the air include Namibia (V51WH), Saint Kitts and Nevis (V47YA, V47RCX), Curacao (PJ2/K5SL), Malawi (7Q5C), Reunion (FR/F1TEQ), Cape Verde (D4SAL), Maldives (8Q7JH), Samoa (5W0AF), Bermuda (VP9I), Naoero (C21DA), Greenland (OX3LX), Ogasawara (JD1BON, JD1BOK, JE1NVD/JD1, JI1CRM/JD1), Mariana Islands (KH0/JR1FKR), Kyrgyzstan (EX9A), Mexico (4A5E), Philippines (DV1IIW), Guam (AH2R), Mayotte (FH/F1TEQ), Democratic Republic of Congo (9T0MD), Micronesia (V61GSE), Juan Fernandez Island (XR0Z), and Gambia (C5R). A calendar of DXpeditions can be found at NG3K’s Announced DX Operations List at https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html (https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html). Solar Activity Update As we go to press the Solar Flux Index (SFI) was 112 and the estimated sunspot number was 124 with 8 numbered sunspot regions visible from Earth. Over the last week the SFI has increased. Solar activity has been at low levels in the last 24 hours. The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to active levels in the last 24 hours and the Kp index reached 4 yesterday. The solar wind peaked at 437 km/s. Solar activity is predicted to be at low levels with a slight chance of M-class flares today through Sunday. The geomagnetic field is forecast to be at quiet to active levels today and Saturday and at at quiet to unsettled levels on Sunday. The chance of solar radiation storms at the S1 or greater level is at 1% today through Sunday. R1 to R2 radio blackouts are possible with a predicted probability of 20% today through Sunday. R3 or greater blackouts are unlikely with a 1% chance predicted today through Sunday. It remains a fantastic time for amateurs to get on the air and work the world. Good sources of real-time solar information include https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/ (https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/) and https://solarham.com/ (https://solarham.com/). A good overview of conditions can be found at https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/ (https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/). To see D-layer absorption data and associated radio blackouts, visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap). To see real-time Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Critical Frequency (foF2) information from radiosonde data, visit https://prop.kc2g.com/ (https://prop.kc2g.com/). Upcoming Contests This weekend brings both the CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest and Masonic Lodges on the Air we spotlighted earlier along with the Bill Windle QSO Party, the YU DX Contest, the Maine QSO Party, the AGCW VHF/UHF Contest, the AWA Amplitude Modulation QSO Party, and the UBA ON Contest on 6 meters. As always the K1USN SSTs, the MSTs, and the CWTs will also be on the air. The full contest calendar with events and exchanges can be found at https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php (https://www.contestcalendar.com/weeklycont.php). Interesting Online Radio Content Steve KM9G tries to hack the new Xiegu G7250 to see what can be accessed within - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbSmkJ_sp7Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbSmkJ_sp7Q) Walt K4OGO talks about getting his Australian license VK4OGO and compares the licensing process - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKfrTyTBPR4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKfrTyTBPR4) Rob N1NUG participates in the statewide activation of Rhode Island for Parks on the Air - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Empb0Z17T-c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Empb0Z17T-c) Peter VK3YE builds a Vanyusha regenerative receiver on a soup can - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI7dvHxw2cE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI7dvHxw2cE) Vince VE6LK does a 2 meter CW contact across the Canada/US border to join the Brass Knuckle Gang - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDPQb5FmkM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDPQb5FmkM) Callum M0MCX shows his new Radio Commander electronic glass cockpit for radios - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ebm7Z3Qqxs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ebm7Z3Qqxs) James M0GQC does a SOTA activation with a kite raised antenna in Wales - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwvlCSUjvyw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwvlCSUjvyw) Ciprian YO6DXE continues his series with the BBB-4 Natural Receiver refining the audio output to hear sferics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3jtn3422Ak (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3jtn3422Ak) Jason KM4ACK demos an offset attenuator for radio direction finding (foxhunting) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUbHtlUBwI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUbHtlUBwI) Mike K8MRD shows us the new POTA web site and likes what he sees - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D29yBtFrvKU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D29yBtFrvKU) Brett from SurvivalComms compares field VHF antenna designs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7WQjDXeaNk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7WQjDXeaNk) Kevin W1DED talks to Braco E77DX and Sven DJ4MX about their WRTC disqualification - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_1q8lqH4kI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_1q8lqH4kI) Vlad YO6RV modifies the popular red base vertical from AliExpress to fix an issue with the threads - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lMiD0SECYM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lMiD0SECYM) Mike K8MRD builds a 2 meter Jungle Antenna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx9M23_43js (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx9M23_43js) Bob WV7W takes a look at an HT capable of operating inexpensively on the 1.25 meter band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK0bIVLL9Es (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK0bIVLL9Es) Walt K4OGO builds a 2 element vertical for DX gain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooni0pvw4Qc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooni0pvw4Qc) Steve KM9G unboxes the Xiegu G7250 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odY8CegL8UI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odY8CegL8UI) Forrest KI7QCF shows a new no-modification required way to get a Quansheng HT on 2 meter CW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwPvv8Vp9-Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwPvv8Vp9-Q) Richard MW0LGE shows how to configure Thetis for keying with N1MM - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZl7g_I2m2Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZl7g_I2m2Q) IMSAI Guy looks at a portable 50 MHz Oscilloscope and Multimeter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8hYSfue5c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8hYSfue5c) Josh KI6NAZ does part 2 of his CFT-1 transceiver build - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktL_qQAwbU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktL_qQAwbU) Mellow Labs looks at a 100 Watt soldering station with an internal battery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0CdMjh5K_o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0CdMjh5K_o) Kevin W1DED gets a European perspective on the WRTC disqualifications with the European Contest Crew - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGb2an31KFs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGb2an31KFs) Kevin KB9RLW does a review of a portable spectrum analyzer from Rigol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6g9ZIjXvJ0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6g9ZIjXvJ0) Sean W9FFF talks about a virus that was discovered on the Elecrow ThinkNode M9 Meshtastic/Meshcore transceivers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfSxwUEMIu0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfSxwUEMIu0) Craig KM6LYW gives a talk about Project Mercury, an OFDM alternative to VARA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6rwIhG9ZMY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6rwIhG9ZMY) Mike K8MRD looks at the new cross platform Ham2k Power Logger - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cngSmsKLkHg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cngSmsKLkHg) That’s it for this week. Best 73, Ed N2EC This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mvarc.substack.com (https://mvarc.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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