• The ARRL Letter for March 10, 2022

    From ARRL Web site@21:1/5 to All on Fri Mar 11 07:39:47 2022
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    ********************************************
    The ARRL Letter

    Published by the American Radio Relay League ********************************************

    March 10, 2022

    ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/>ARRL Letter Archive <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> IN THIS ISSUE

    - Axiom Private Astronaut Mission Crew Will Conduct ARISS School
    Contacts
    - ARRL Teachers Institute to Offer Four Sessions this Summer
    - ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    - Annual Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Exercise Set for May 14
    - Amateur Radio in the News
    - Volunteer Monitor Program Releases February 2022 Activity Report
    - Successful Emergency Communications Exercise Carried Out on QO-100
    Satellite
    - AMSAT Pioneer Ray Soifer, W2RS, SK
    - Announcements
    - Study: Rapid Development of Satellite Mega-Constellations Risks
    Tragedies of the Commons
    - The K7RA Solar Update
    - In Brief...
    - Just Ahead in Radiosport
    - Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    AXIOM PRIVATE ASTRONAUT MISSION CREW WILL CONDUCT ARISS SCHOOL
    CONTACTS

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS-USA <http://www.ariss-usa.org/>) has announced that two crew members
    scheduled to fly on Axiom Mission-1 (Ax-1) -- the first private
    astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) -- will
    carry out amateur radio contacts with six schools while in space. The
    Ax-1 mission is currently set to launch from Florida on March 30 via a
    SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, and the crew will spend 10 days in orbit on
    board the ISS. Ax-1 crew members Mark Pathy, KO4WFH, from Canada, and
    Eytan Stibbe, 4Z9SPC, from Israel, will carry out the contacts. ARISS
    has trained both crew members in the use of the ARISS radio system in
    the ISS Columbus module.

    As part of the "Rakia" mission, Stibbe will use ARISS facilities on
    board the ISS to answer questions from middle school and high school
    students in Israel. Forty classes are expected to participate, and in
    the weeks preceding the launch, the students will learn a bit about the
    theory and practice of radio communication.

    Pathy, whose personal mission theme is "caring for people and the
    planet," will connect with elementary and high schoolers across Canada
    from the ISS. Pathy will answer student-developed questions that range
    from how his body has reacted to being in space to handling everyday
    tasks in zero gravity, as well as "thoughtful questions around the
    state of our planet."

    "The long-held dream of private missions to stations in space becomes a
    reality on Ax-1," said Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, Executive Director of
    ARISS-USA and Chair of ARISS International. "ARISS is proud to
    collaborate with Axiom Space, Mark Pathy, and Eytan Stibbe on this
    flight and support the Ax-1 crew members through amateur radio contacts
    that will inspire, engage, and educate school students in science,
    technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics."

    Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Vice President of Government
    Operations and Strategic Communications for Axiom Space, said, "For
    years, ARISS and its programs have inspired students across the globe
    to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering, and math, and
    we are pleased that Ax-1 will join the list of missions that have
    contributed to this important educational work."

    The Ax-1 mission includes an international crew of four, with Axiom's
    Michael López-Alegría, ex-KE5GTK, a former NASA astronaut and now an
    Axiom Vice President. López -Alegría will serve as mission commander.
    The fourth crew member, Larry Connor, will serve as the pilot.

    "The goal for the Ax-1 crew is to set a standard for all future private astronaut missions in terms of our preparation and professionalism," López-Alegría said in a NASA news release.

    Down the road, Axiom will build modules that will attach to the ISS.
    Axiom will fly its own Hub One space station <https://www.axiomspace.com/axiom-station> in the future. Read an
    expanded version <http://www.arrl.org/news/axiom-private-astronaut-mission-crew-will-conduct-ariss-school-contacts>.


    ARRL TEACHERS INSTITUTE TO OFFER FOUR SESSIONS THIS SUMMER

    ARRL will offer four sessions of the Teachers Institute on Wireless
    Technology
    <http://www.arrl.org/teachers-institute-on-wireless-technology> in June
    and July as part of its educational outreach to schools through the
    Education & Technology Program <http://www.arrl.org/education-technology-program>. The Teachers
    Institute (TI) is an expenses-paid professional development program
    intended to provide teachers with tools and strategies to introduce
    basic electronics, the science of radio, space technology and satellite communications, weather science, microcontrollers, robotics, and
    amateur radio to their students. The curriculum is designed for
    motivated teachers and other school staff who want to learn more about
    wireless technology, gain hands-on experience, and bring that knowledge
    to their students. Class sizes are limited to 12. The deadline to apply
    is May 1, 2022.

    "I invite you to apply and to share this incredible opportunity with
    schools and teachers," ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve
    Goodgame, K5ATA, said. Goodgame said to contact him via email
    <k5ata@arrl.org> with any questions.

    Sessions this summer will be held in Newington, Connecticut, and in
    Dayton, Ohio. There are two levels -- TI-1 Introduction to Wireless
    Technology, and TI-2 Remote Sensing and Data Analysis <http://www.arrl.org/files/file/2022%20TI-2%20Application%20Final.pdf>.
    TI-1 is a prerequisite for TI-2.

    TI-2 focuses on the basic electronics of sensors (temperature,
    pressure, position, humidity, etc.), converting analog sensor data to a
    digital format, programming the microcontroller to read and interpret
    the data, and using radio to send the sensor data to the user. After
    learning the basics of remote sensing, teachers assemble a sensor
    package to collect environmental data remotely.

    Program

    Location

    Dates

    TI-1

    Newington, Connecticut

    June 27 - July 1

    TI-2

    Newington, Connecticut

    July 11 - July 15

    TI-1

    Dayton, Ohio

    July 18 - July 22

    TI-1

    Newington, Connecticut

    July 25 - July 29

    A 2022 brochure is available from the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology web page. An explanatory video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo2ccNAKrb8> is also available.

    This in-service training program is supported entirely by generous philanthropic donations. Teachers Institute opportunities are virtually
    free for participants. The grant to attend a TI covers transportation,
    hotel, a modest per diem to cover meals, instructional resources for
    the electronics, microcontroller, and robotics segments of the course,
    and a resource library of relevant ARRL publications. The primary
    out-of-pocket expense is a $100 enrollment fee.

    Graduate credits are available through Fresno Pacific University upon completion of the TI-1 or TI-2 programs.

    Qualified applicants must be active teachers at an elementary, middle,
    high school or at a college or university, or in a leadership or
    enrichment instruction role in an after-school or collective homeschool program. An amateur radio license is not required for the introductory
    workshop (TI-1) but is required for the advanced TI-2 program. Read an
    expanded version. <http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-teachers-institute-to-offer-four-sessions-this-summer>


    ARRL PODCASTS SCHEDULE

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 27) features a
    guided tour of 10 meters.

    The latest edition (Episode 55) of the Eclectic Tech podcast will
    feature a conversation with Dave Slotter, W3DJS, about HamPi -- a free
    suite of amateur radio software for the Raspberry Pi microcomputer.

    The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
    podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
    as on Blubrry -- On the Air <https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/> |
    Eclectic Tech <https://blubrry.com/eclectictech/>.

    ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY CROSS-BAND EXERCISE SET FOR MAY 14

    The 2022 running of the Armed Forces Day (AFD) Cross-Band exercise will
    be held on May 14, 1300 - 2200 UTC. A complete list of participating
    stations, modes, frequencies, times, and other details will be
    announced <https://www.dodmars.org/mars-comex-information-website/armed-forces-day>
    on April 1. The event is open to all radio amateurs. Armed Forces Day
    is May 21, but the AFD Cross-band Military-Amateur Radio event
    traditionally takes place 1 week earlier in order to avoid conflicting
    with Dayton Hamvention®. During the exercise, radio amateurs listen for stations on military operating frequencies and transmit on frequencies
    in adjacent amateur bands.

    Military and amateur stations have taken part in this event for more
    than 50 years. It's an exercise scenario, designed to include ham radio
    and government radio operators alike.

    Per previous announcements: "The AFD Cross-band Test is a unique
    opportunity to test two-way communications between military
    communicators and radio stations in the Amateur Radio Service, as
    authorized in 47 CFR 97.111. These tests provide opportunities and
    challenges for radio operators to demonstrate individual technical
    skills in a tightly controlled exercise scenario that does not impact
    any public or private communications."

    Military stations in various locations will transmit on selected
    military frequencies and announce the specific ham band frequencies
    they are monitoring.

    An AFD message will be transmitted utilizing the Military Standard
    (MIL-STD) serial PSK waveform (M110) followed by MIL-STD Wide Shift FSK
    (850 Hz RTTY), as described in MIL-STD 188-110A/B. The AFD message will
    also be sent in CW and RTTY.

    Full details will be released on April 1.

    AMATEUR RADIO IN THE NEWS

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news <http://www.arrl.org/media-hits>.

    - "Remarkable man believed we could lick fuel addiction <https://digitaledition.baltimoresun.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=1034b3fa-f9c8-43c5-afb6-feae9ed1ed16>"

    / Baltimore Sun (Digital Edition) (Maryland) March 8, 2022

    - "New proposed $1,400 Forest Service fee may impact Manistee County <https://www.manisteenews.com/local-news/article/Why-a-new-proposed-Forest-Service-fee-may-impact-16944741.php>"

    / Manistee News Advocate (Michigan) February 24, 2022

    - "When all else fails, ham radio works <https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2022/02/08/ford-kanzler-when-all-else-fails-ham-radio-works/>"

    / Santa Cruz Sentinel (California) February 8, 2022

    - "Amateur radio operators make contacts in global winter training <https://nbcmontana.com/news/montana-moment/amateur-radio-operators-make-contacts-in-global-winter-training>"

    / NBC Montana (Montana) February 6, 2022

    Share <newsmedia@arrl.org> any amateur radio media hits you spot with
    us.

    VOLUNTEER MONITOR PROGRAM RELEASES FEBRUARY 2022 ACTIVITY REPORT

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enhance compliance
    in the Amateur Radio Service. This is the February 2022 activity report
    of the VM Program.

    Technician-class operators in North Attleborough, Massachusetts; Cedar
    Rapids, Iowa, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, were issued Advisory Notices
    for FT8 operation on 20 meters. Technician licensees have no privileges
    on 20 meters.

    Technician-class operators in Auburn, Indiana; Crosby, Texas; Pierre,
    South Dakota; Chicago, Illinois, and Mojave, California, were issued
    Advisory Notices for FT8 operation on 7.074 MHz. Technicians have only
    CW privileges on 40 meters.

    General-class operators in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona,
    and Hephzibah, Georgia, were issued Advisory Notices for operation on
    20-meter frequencies not authorized to General-class operators.

    The VM Program Administrator had two meetings with the FCC and
    participated in two amateur radio club meetings via videoconference.
    The final totals for VM monitoring during January 2022 were 2,172 hours
    on HF frequencies, and 2,932 hours on VHF frequencies and above, for a
    total of 5,104 hours. -- Volunteer Monitor Administrator Riley
    Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE CARRIED OUT ON QO-100
    SATELLITE

    On February 26, 22 stations representing 14 countries within IARU
    Region 1 took part in a short-notice exercise using the geostationary
    satellite QO-100.

    This was the first of a number of smaller exercises, tests, and
    meetings to be held by IARU Region 1 throughout the year, building on
    the earlier Global Simulated Emergency Tests to cover as many aspects
    of emergency communications as possible. The intention is to bring
    emergency communicators together more frequently to demonstrate how the
    Amateur Radio Service can work together as a global community and
    develop a common understanding of each others' capabilities.

    The exercise was deemed a success, with a number of formal messages
    passed among stations and some lessons learned from the inevitable
    challenges of equipment failure, language barriers and co-ordination of
    an exercise with a coverage area from South Africa to the United
    Kingdom. Once all the exercise feedback is received, another test on
    QO-100 is planned for October 2022.

    "QO-100 brings another asset to the emergency communications toolbox in
    Region 1, and its presence is much appreciated," IARU Region 1
    Emergency Communications Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB, commented. --
    Thanks to IARU via Greg Mossop, G0DUB

    AMSAT PIONEER RAY SOIFER, W2RS, SK

    Satellite pioneer Raphael "Ray" Soifer, W2RS, of Green Valley, Arizona,
    died on March 1. An ARRL member, he was 79.

    Licensed in 1955, Soifer was among those involved in founding the AMSAT organization. A native of New York City, he studied engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and

    then obtained an MBA at Harvard Business School. His career was in
    finance, serving as a news media banking commentator and banking
    analyst.

    As a 16-year-old at MIT, Soifer served as lead engineer in the AMSAT organization's satellite radio projects, including early ham satellite
    OSCAR-1. He was featured in Time magazine in 1960 for this work.

    Soifer has written many articles for QST, RadCom, The AMSAT Journal,
    and other ham publications, mostly about satellites and moonbounce. He
    holds Satellite DXCC No. 13 and Satellite Worked All Continents (WAC)
    No. 6, both earned entirely via low-Earth-orbit spacecraft.

    Soifer participated in the first two-way contact in any radio service
    via satellite-to-satellite relay, with W2BXA (SK) via AMSAT-OSCAR 7 and AMSAT-OSCAR 6 in 1975, as well as the first known contact via satellite ionization trail reflection, a propagation mode first reported by W8JK
    (SK) in 1958. He was active on 2-meter moonbounce from 1985 until 1995.
    Other call signs held over the years include K1WXC, K2QBW, WA4IJR, and
    G3DDU.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    - France's IARU member-society REF has announced that special event
    station TM97WARD will be among those on the air April 16 - 25 to
    celebrate World Amateur Radio Day (WARD <https://www.iaru.org/on-the-air/world-amateur-radio-day/>), which
    takes place each year on April 18.

    - The final results <https://ncjweb.com/north-american-sprint/> for the February North American CW Sprint are published on the NCJ website.

    - Parks on the Air (POTA <https://parksontheair.com/>) reports a lot of activity in February, with an average of 270 activations every day.
    Just under 1,500 operators helmed approximately 7,500 activations from
    more than 3,000 different parks in 31 different DX entities. POTA was
    inspired by the National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program of ARRL,
    overseen by former ARRL staffers Sean Kutzko, KX9X, and Norm Fusaro,
    W3IZ, in 2016.

    - ARISS notes that it has been 2 years since the launch of the ARISS InterOperable Radio System (IORS) to the International Space Station.
    Today, the IORS is a staple of ARISS operations in the Columbus module. Congratulations go to the ARISS team, which contributed to the
    development and flight certification of the IORS!

    - The ARRL Maine Section has announced the Maine 2-Meter FM Simplex
    Challenge <http://www.ws1sm.com/2-Meter-Challenge.html>, sponsored by
    the Wireless Society of Southern Maine. The event is March 26, 2022.

    STUDY: RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF SATELLITE MEGA-CONSTELLATIONS RISKS
    TRAGEDIES OF THE COMMONS

    A study reported in Nature <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89909-7>, "Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and
    on Earth," in Scientific Reports (May 2021) by Aaron C. Boley and
    Michael Byers, says the rapid development of mega-constellations risks
    multiple tragedies of the commons. That could include tragedies to
    ground-based astronomy, Earth orbit, and Earth's upper atmosphere. The
    study asserts that international cooperation is urgently needed, along
    with a regulatory system that takes into account the effects of tens of thousands of satellites.

    "[T]he connections between the Earth and space environments are
    inadequately taken into account by the adoption of a consumer
    electronic model applied to space assets," the authors said. "For
    example, we point out that satellite re-entries from the Starlink mega-constellation alone could deposit more aluminum into Earth's upper atmosphere than what is done through meteoroids; they could thus become
    the dominant source of high-altitude alumina."

    The authors say their study shows that untracked debris will lead to potentially dangerous on-orbit collisions on a regular basis due to the
    large number of satellites within mega-constellation orbital shells.
    The total cross-section of satellites in these constellations also
    greatly increases the risk of impacts due to meteoroids. De facto orbit occupation by single actors, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the possibility of free-riding exacerbate these risks.

    According to Boley and Byers, in 2 years, the number of active and
    defunct satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) has increased by over 50%.
    "SpaceX alone is on track to add 11,000 more as it builds its Starlink mega-constellation and has already filed for permission for another
    30,000 satellites with the [FCC]."

    More than 12,000 trackable debris pieces are already in low-Earth
    orbit, typically 10 centimeters in diameter or larger, the study
    asserts. Read an expanded version. <http://www.arrl.org/news/study-rapid-development-of-satellite-mega-constellations-risks-tragedies-of-the-commons>


    THE K7RA SOLAR UPDATE

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We watched an active sun this week. Geomagnetic indicators peaked on Saturday, March 5, when Alaska's high
    latitude college A index reached 42.

    Again this week, sunspots covered the sun each day. Average daily
    sunspot numbers rose from 44 to 87.4, and average daily solar flux went
    from 98.5 to 115.5. Geomagnetic indicators were also higher. Average
    daily planetary A index increased from 7.3 to 11.4.

    Predicted solar flux is 115 and 114 on March 10 - 11; 112 on March 12 -
    14; 110 on March 15 - 16; 99 on March 17; 100 on March 18 - 21; 101 and
    103 on March 22 - 23; 104 on March 24 - 27; 110, 115, and 116 on March
    28 - 30; 118 on March 31 - April 1; 120 on April 2; 116 on April 3 - 4;
    115 and 112 on April 5 - 6; 110 on April 7 - 9, and 108, 102, 98 and 99
    on April 10 - 13.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12 on March 10 - 11; 5 on March 12 - 14;
    8 on March 15 - 16; 5 and 8 on March 17 - 18; 12 on March 19 - 20; 15
    on March 21; 7 on March 22 - 24; 5, 10, and 8 on March 25 - 27; 5 on
    March 28 - 29; 10, 12, 25, 20, and 10 on March 30 - April 3; 5 on April
    4 - 6; 15, 20, and 12 on April 7 - 9, and 5 on April 10 - 13.

    Sunspot numbers for March 3 - 9 were 92, 77, 95, 82, 84, 93, and 89,
    with a mean of 87.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 110.9, 113.1, 120.1,
    115.7, 118.3, 115.3, and 114.8, with a mean of 115.5. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 5, 10, 27, 18, 9, 6, and 5, with a mean of
    11.4. Middle latitude A index was 3, 7, 19, 13, 7, 5, and 4, with a
    mean of 8.3.

    A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
    website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit <http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals> the ARRL Technical
    Information Service, read
    <http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere> "What the Numbers
    Mean...," and check out <http://k9la.us/> the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA

    A propagation bulletin archive <http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation> is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio <https://www.voacap.com/hf/> website.

    Share <k7ra@arrl.net> your reports and observations.

    IN BRIEF...

    Japan's Ministry of Communications has established an advisory board
    that aims to encourage young people to become involved in amateur
    radio. Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL
    <https://www.jarl.org/English/>) President Yoshinori Takao, JG1KTC, is
    a member. A Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
    report in November 2021, "Radio Policy Council in the Age of Digital Transformation," noted that the amateur radio population is declining,
    and amateur radio growth must continue. "Young people will lead the
    future," the report said. "Consider creating an environment that makes
    it easier to [get started] in amateur radio." The government ministry
    said it would proceed with studies toward developing a system and
    environment that make it easier to utilize amateur radio, such as the realization of an experimental/research environment. Another goal is to
    speed up the process of acquiring an amateur radio license and
    establishing and operating a ham radio station. The advisory board held
    its first meeting on January 26.

    The "Heavenly Water Storm" Hawaii Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
    (ARES <https://hawaiiares.net/>®) communications drill is set for
    April. It will take place on April 16, from 9 AM - noon HST using the
    incident command system structure. This exercise will simulate a 4-day
    period of catastrophic rain and wind covering the Hawaiian Islands from
    Kauai to the Big Island, with loss of power, internet, and cell towers. Approximately 1 hour in the drill will represent 1 day of the simulated
    storm. The Hawaii ARES website <https://hawaiiares.net/> has details.
    Radio amateurs planning to participate should register <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzVLdAOjuD8r6paeyKaIj8hwag4AtSX2Vg-QjnUQSlaukW7Q/viewform>

    in advance.It will take place 9 AM - noon HST using the incident
    command system structure. This exercise will simulate a 4-day period of catastrophic rain and wind covering the Hawaiian Islands from Kauai to
    the Big Island with loss of power, internet, and cell towers.
    Approximately 1 hour in the drill will represent one day of the
    simulated storm. The Hawaii ARES website <https://hawaiiares.net/> has
    details. Radio amateurs planning to participate should register <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzVLdAOjuD8r6paeyKaIj8hwag4AtSX2Vg-QjnUQSlaukW7Q/viewform>

    in advance.

    Past ARRL Eastern Washington Section Manager Kyle Pugh, KA7CSP, of
    Spokane, Washington, died on February 13. An ARRL member, he was 85. A professional musician and music educator, Pugh served as ARRL Eastern Washington Section Manager from 1992 until 2023. In addition to amateur
    radio, Pugh was a model railroad hobbyist. He was licensed in 1978 and
    remained active until his death.

    Former ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Manager Joseph A. "Joe" Ames,
    W3JY, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, died on March 5. An ARRL Life Member, he
    was 57. Ames served as EPA SM from 2014 until 2016. He was one of the
    founders of Radio Relay International, an independent traffic-handling organization. A ham since 1977, Ames devoted many years to amateur
    radio public service organizations including Delaware County and
    Chester County ARES/RACES, and as an emergency communications
    instructor and Volunteer Examiner. He served as Section Traffic Manager
    in the 1980s, and was once president of the Carbon County Amateur Radio
    Club. He previously served the ARRL Field Organization with
    appointments as Assistant Section Manager in Eastern Pennsylvania,
    Official Emergency Station, and Official Relay Station. In 2015, he was
    elected as the Eastern Area Staff Chair of the ARRL National Traffic
    System, and net manager of the Eastern Pennsylvania Emergency Phone &
    Traffic Net. Ames was a member of the Quarter Century Wireless
    Association (QCWA). Read an expanded version <http://www.arrl.org/news/former-arrl-eastern-pennsylvania-sm-traffic-handler-joe-ames-w3jy-sk>.


    JUST AHEAD IN RADIOSPORT

    - March 12 -- AGCW QRP Contest (CW)

    - March 12 -- YB DX RTTY Contest

    - March 12 - 13 -- RSGB Commonwealth Contest (CW)

    - March 12 - 13 -- South America 10 Meter Contest (CW, phone)

    - March 12 - 13 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)

    - March 12 - 13 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)

    - March 12 - 13 -- Oklahoma QSO Party (CW, phone)

    - March 12 - 13 -- EA PSK63 Contest

    - March 12 - 13 -- TESLA Memorial HF CW Contest

    - March 12 - 13 -- Idaho QSO Party (CW, phone)

    - March 12 - 13 -- North American Sprint, RTTY <https://ncjweb.com/north-american-sprint/>

    - March 13 -- UBA Spring Contest, 2 Meters (CW, phone)

    - March 13 -- FIRAC HF Contest (CW)

    - March 13 - 14 -- All Wisconsin QSO Party (Phone)

    - March 14 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)

    - March 14 -- OK1WC Memorial (CW)

    - March 15 - 20 -- CLARA Chatter Party (CW, phone)

    - March 16 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)

    - March 17 - 18 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

    - March 17 -- NAQCC CW Sprint

    - March 17 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

    UPCOMING SECTION, STATE, AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS

    - March 12 - 13 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
    <http://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/> (ARRL is a QSO Today partner)

    - March 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/47th-annual-martin-county-hamfest-arrl-southern-florida-section-convention>

    (47th Annual Martin County Hamfest), Stuart, Florida

    - March 19 -- ARRL West Texas Section Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/66th-annual-st-patrick-s-day-hamest-arrl-west-texas-section-convention>

    (66th Annual St. Patrick's Day Hamfest), Midland, Texas

    - March 19 -- ARRL West Virginia Section Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/charleston-area-hamfest-arrl-west-virginia-section-convention>

    (Charleston Area Hamfest), Charleston, West Virginia

    - March 27 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention <https://viennawireless.net/wp/events/winterfest/> (Winterfest),
    Annandale, Virginia

    - April 1 - 2 -- ARRL Maine State Convention <http://w1npp.org/>,
    Lewiston, Maine

    - April 8 - 9 -- ARRL Oklahoma State Convention <http://www.greencountryhamfest.org/index.php> (Green Country Hamfest
    2022), Claremore, Oklahoma

    - April 16 -- ARRL Roanoke Division Convention
    <https://www.rarsfest.org/> (Raleigh Hamfest), Raleigh, North Carolina

    - April 23 -- ARRL Delaware State Convention <http://www.radioelectronicsexpo.com/> (Delmarva Amateur Radio and
    Electronics Expo), Georgetown, Delaware

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests> to find events in your area.

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information

    - Join or Renew Today! <http://www.arrl.org/join> Eligible US-based
    members can elect to receive QST <http://www.arrl.org/qst> or On the
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