Special Event Station S520SV

While playing Radio this afternoon I came across S520SV on 14.267.000
It sucks that I do not have an amplifier but I am determined to make the contact.
Why? I have no idea, maybe it is out of frustration of not having an amp and major antenna system.
Stay tuned for updates~
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S520SV will be on the air on all HF bands from 20. - 26. June 2011 to commemorate 20 years of independent Slovenia and 20 years of Signal corps of Slovenian Army Forces.All contacts will be confirmed via bureau or direct via S57DX with SAE and IRC or 2 green stamps.

source; QRZ.com

ECHOLINK 100 V2

This was the topic on my rag chew this morning.
Echolink 100 v2
Here is a video with a link below.


MixBASE by N8AD; click here

This Weekends Contest; June 17-20

This weekends contest opportunities. Good luck and enjoy the weekend.

NCCC Sprint Ladder	Jun 17
All Asian DX Contest, CW	Jun 18-19
SMIRK Contest	Jun 18-19
AGCW VHF/UHF Contest	Jun 18
Stew Perry Topband Challenge	Jun 18-19
West Virginia QSO Party	Jun 18-19
Kid's Day Contest	Jun 18
Feld Hell Sprint	Jun 18
WAB 50 MHz Phone	Jun 19
Run for the Bacon QRP Contest	Jun 20

FCC Fines Jammer ($24k)

FCC Takes Strong Stance Against Jamming, Issues $24,000 Fine to California Man:

On June 6, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0606/DA-11-990A1.pdf in the amount of $24,000 against Kevin W. Bondy of Encino, California, for engaging in unlicensed radio operation and intentional interference to licensed radio operations and for refusing to allow an inspection of his radio equipment by FCC personnel. Bondy -- licensee of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile) Station WQGX752 -- is accused of repeatedly and intentionally jamming four land mobile frequencies assigned to The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, California.

In assessing the $24,000 fine, the FCC noted that it was responsible for making and enforcing regulations to prevent interference and to maintain control over the use of the radio spectrum in a manner that promotes the public interest and convenience. "Bondy's acts cut at the heart of the Commission's responsibilities to protect the nation's airwaves and regulate use of the spectrum," the Order said. "Bondy operated a radio without a license on the specific frequencies assigned and licensed by the Commission to The Oaks, for the explicit and expressed purpose of prohibiting The Oaks's use of its licensed frequencies. This type of conduct inhibits the Commission's ability to effectively regulate and maintain control over the use of the spectrum and will not be tolerated." Bondy has until July 6 to pay the fine.

Chance of Solar Flares

The magnetic field of sunspot 1236 harbors energy for M-class solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 25% chance of such an eruption during the next 24 hrs.

Amateur Radio Club Activities & Ideas

I often hear people talking about the lack of activities with their Amateur Radio Clubs. I know the local club in Muskegon, Michigan- M.A.A.R.C. Is active and encourages activities of many types; of course there is always room for improvement.
I would provide a link to the
Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council, unfortunately their site is down.
So here are some ideas that I thought of, maybe this will help you and your club out.
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* A web-site hosted by the club.
*Participation Certificates for those who are regularly active on Nets and other activities.
Wall Paper is always a plus.
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Nets
*2-4 nets a week, maybe one on a repeater and one on Simplex or HF.
(Types of Nets)
*Tech-Net
*Space Net
*Digital Net
*CW Net
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Classes
* Antenna Building & Maintenance
* Education on how to use different radios, equipment and construction.
*Technician Class
*General and Extra Classes
*CW Class
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Activities
*Fox Hunts
*Softball Team
*Bowling Team
*Frisbee Golf
*Weekend Picnics once or twice a month at various parks in your area.
*Outings to different sporting events like Baseball, Hockey or even the local dirt track.
You may even ask the venue if you can set up a demonstration/information table to attract new members.
*After Club meetings or Nets meet up for Coffee, Pizza or Burgers.
*Campouts, Fishing-Hunting Trips with Field Stations.
*Family Trips to local Amusement Parks, Zoos, Museums etc.
*House Call Weekends- Where the Club Experts will come over to a members home and help with Antenna Erecting, Tuning, Radio Set-up etc. This is a great way to show new and old members that the club supports on air activities and wants YOU to be involved.
*Club Sales-Yard/Garage or local flea market.
Ham Fest/Swaps etc. Get club members to donate items to raise money for club activities or to set up a benevolent account to help club members during difficult times.
*Club T-Shirts, Sweat Shirts, Hats, Jackets, Coats, Coffee Mugs etc. a great way to show unity and promote the club.
*Get the Club involved with local charities and schools to help out needy kids and families. This too is a great way for Club recognition.

These are just a few ideas, feel free to use them or even add to the list. Just send me an e-mail or contact me through Twitter.
73,
De KD8BIG

DX Code of Conduct

I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.

I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.

I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.

I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.

I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.

I will always send my full call sign.

I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.

I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.

I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.

I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.

When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.

I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.

I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.


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Current Disaster Information

The Missouri River near Williston is projected to reach record flood levels by the 11th.The Milk River near Glasgow is above record stage. The Souris River near Towner is above record stage. The Souris River near Westhope is above record stage. The North Platte River at North Platte is near record stage. The Missouri River near Williston is above record stage. The Missouri River near Greenwood, the Souris River near Bantry, Missouri River near Verdel are all over the record levels Federal Aid Programs For State Of Illinois Disaster Recovery Federal Aid Programs For State Of Oklahoma Disaster Recovery This is big news for those affected by the disaster. If you know anyone affected by the disaster, those are served first who first request assistance. Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. This is big news for those affected by the disaster. Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. --
NASA -- Tornado Track near Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Lake Champlain at Burlington has fallen below the old record height and is projected to fall below major flood stage by Wednesday of next week.
There is a low over the west-central Caribbean Sea that is stationary and has a 10% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hrs. The long range forecast does not show it making US landfall.
NASA--Unique Space Image of Alabama Tornado Tracks
Individual Assistance has been approved. Federal Aid Programs For State Of Missouri Disaster Recovery. Federal Aid Programs For State Of Tennessee Disaster Recovery. Federal Aid Programs For State Of Mississippi Disaster Recovery Federal Aid Programs For State Of Georgia Disaster Recovery President Declares Emergency For Alabama for the Storm of April 27th. Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Associated Flooding. Federal Aid Programs For State Of Mississippi Disaster Recovery
"NASA Satellite Images -- Tornado Tracks in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Severe Tornado Outbreak in the Southern United States -- Alabama EMA -- Georgia EMA -- Mississippi EMA -- Tennessee EMA -- Arkansas EMA -- Virginia EMA --
The Red Cross Red Cross Shelters You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or call 1-800 RED CROSS
The Salvation Army is also assisting with damage. There are several ways you can donate. By phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.” By text: Text “GIVE” to 80888.
Insurance will cover most of the losses. The people affected will not lack clothing for long and more will be donated than will ever be used. It will end up in the local landfill, because there is no place to store it. If you are going to collect clothing have a garage sale with the proceeds going to the victims. Be responsible, if you collect money get proof that it was donated and make evidence available to those who gave. Consider volunteering or donating with Disaster Relief Agencies and Nongovernment Organizations.
WHO's CRED is reporting that in 2010 a total of 385 natural disasters killed more than 297,000 people worldwide, affected over 217.0 million others and caused US$ 123.9 billion of economic damages. Annual Disaster Statistical Review 2010: (PDF 4.2 MB) The Numbers and Trends. Brussels: CRED; 2011-Guha-Sapir D, Vos F, Below R, with Ponserre S.
Extreme and exceptional drought conditions cover about half of Texas.

NIST Offering Free Access to Standards for First Responders

There is only one weather authority in the United States, and that's the National Weather Service For emergency information consult with your local NWS office or your local emergency management agency. If you want to suggest a link please post to host@disastercenter.com

ReliefWeb -Japan • Earthquake & Tsunami -- Situation Reports

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is posting official updates
. The World Health Organisation has information on its website radiation-related health risks.
Potential dispersion of the radioactive cloud after a nuclear accident in Fukushima

This has been e-mailed to me by several readers.

Geomagnetic Storm Warning Downgraded

NOAA forecasters have downgraded the chances of a geomagnetic storm on June 9th to 20%. The disturbance, if it occurs, would be in response to a glancing blow from the CME of June 7th.
On June 7th at 0641 UT, magnetic fields above sunspot complex 1226-1227 became unstable and erupted. The resulting blast produced an M2-class solar flare, an S1-class radiation storm, and an unbelievable movie:

"It looks like someone kicked a clod of dirt in the air," says solar physicist C. Alex Young of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in a Youtube video. "I've never seen material released in this way before--an amazing, amazing event."

Much of the plasma thrown up by the blast simply fell back to the sun--indeed, that's what makes the footage so dramatic. In the movies you can see blobs of hot gas as large as Earth making bright splashes where they hit the stellar surface. Some plasma, however, reached escape velocity and left the sun in the form of a coronal mass ejection: movie. Traveling faster than 1100 km/s, the CME should deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field on June 9th. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras when the CME arrives.

Credit: NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

The Elecraft KX3

Wow, Elecraft has a treat for us coming out this fall.
The Elecraft KX3.
This rig looks AWESOME. I'm sure it will give Yaesu a run for the money.

The revolutionary Elecraft KX3 puts the world in the palm of your hand! Despite its small size, it covers all amateur bands from 160-6 meters, operates in all modes, and has DSP-based features usually found only on larger radios.

The KX3 features a large front panel with all controls optimized for convenient use. You won’t have to dig through menus to set the power level, adjust the keyer speed, or change filter settings. And the KX3 has the same full-size display as the Elecraft K3, so all operating information is available at a glance.

For more info; Click Here

Q Codes

We all have heard of them and have used them. Some of us have even forgot what some may stand for. With that, I will give you the meaning of some of those Q codes that was shared to me.

QRG - Your frequency is
QRH - Your Frequency varies
QRI - The tone of your transmission
QRK - The intelligibility is
QRL - I am busy
QRM - I'm being interfered with
QRN - I'm troubled with static
QRO - Increase TX power
QRP - Decrease TX power
QRQ - Send faster
QRS - Send more slowly
QRT - Stop sending
QRU - I've nothing for you
QRV - I am ready
QRW - Call ... on ... ?
QRX - I'll call again at ..hrs
QRZ - You're being called by:
QSA - Your signal strength is:
QSB - Your signals are fading
QSD - Keying is defective
QSG - Send ... msgs at a time?
QSK - I can hear you, Break in
QSL - I am acknowledging receipt
QSM - Repeat last message
QSO - I can communicate with
QSP - I will relay to:
QSV - Send a series of V's
QSW - Send on this frequency
QSX - Listen for ... on ...
QSY - Change frequency to ..
QSY - Change frequency
QSZ - Repeat each word/group
QTA - Cancel message number
QTB - Agree with word count
QTC - I have ... telegrams for you
QTH - My location is:
QTR - What is the correct time
QTX - Wait for further comms
QUA - Have you news of ...

Muskegon Amateur (HAM) Radio Field Day 2011

This is my home town Hams. I will not be at this event. I might work field day from my QTH this year.

MCECS(K8WNJ) and MAARC (W8ZHO) Joint amateur radio Field Day 2011. Muskegon County Emergency communication Service (K8WNJ) and Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council (W8ZHO)are having a Joint Field Day 2011 along with Kent and Otawa county ARES/RACES. The 2011 amateur radio field day will be at Grose Park and will be operating under the Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council (MAARC) call sign ~ W8ZHO.

I would provide a link for MAARC but there web-site is down at this time for maintenance.

This is the story from the local news paper.

Local 'Radio Hams' to join in Public Demonstration of Emergency Communications June 25-26
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Muskegon “hams,” with colleagues from Kent and Ottawa counties, will join with thousands of Amateur Radio operators for their annual “Field Day” event June 25-26.

The public will have a chance to meet and talk with radio operators and see the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code.

There will also be public demonstrations of emergency communications abilities.

GEOMAGNETIC STORM

A sharp gust of solar wind hit Earth's magnetic field at approximately 20:30 UT on June 4th. The impact sparked an intensifying G2-class geomagnetic storm, in progress.

MAGNETIC STORMS on June 4th

NOAA forecasters estimate a 45% chance of geomagnetic activity on June 4th when an incoming solar wind stream and a CME might deliver a double blow to Earth's magnetic field.