Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (C
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Thu Mar 21 2019 11:53 pm

REPORT SAYS FT-8 GAINS POPULARITY AS PROPAGATION FLAGS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you're new to FT-8, you apparently have a lot of
company around the world, according to a report just released by the
ARRL. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, has those details.

NEIL: While HF propagation may not be going strong lately, the FT-8
digital mode is. Is there a connection perhaps? According to an ARRL
report, a survey by Michael Wells, G7VJR, of Club Log, found a 12
percent growth in FT-8 users, between 2017 and 2018. He said the log's
users, representing about 270 of the world's 287 DXCC entities, uploaded
41.3 million contacts in 2018, growth he called significant. Wells noted
in the report that he credited the continued decline of the solar cycle
for the mode's gains. He noted too, that hams living in restricted
residential areas, or on small parcels of property, have likely also
benefitted from FT-8.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

**

A WAY TO MAKE SOME NOISE ABOUT QRM ISSUES

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Encouraging hams to cooperate with one another to help
locate and handle sources of interference, the Radio Amateur Society of
Australia has released a free online resource as a tool to assist them.

The amateur group describes the tool, QRM dot guru (QRM.guru) as an
internet-based educational and reference resource. RASA states there are
no commercial interests in the service, which was built with content
from developers, the public domain, and credited published works. The
website is interactive, providing guidance in locating, reducing, or
eliminating interference. It also offers tips on how to choose consumer
products that do not emit unwanted RF noise.

One of its developers, Chris, VK3QB, says in a press release [quote]
"For the first time, and in one place, QRM.guru provides a coordinated
set of resources, and self-help, for amateurs to find out about QRM issues,
and techniques in resolving them."

To gain access, visit QRM dot guru, and click on the words "start here."

The amateur radio society is also asking that suggestions and comments
be sent via email to feedback at qrm dot guru (feedback@qrm.guru)

(RADIO AMATEUR SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA)

**

NETS OF NOTE: YOUNG OPERATORS DIGITAL VOICE NET

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our occasional series "Nets of Note," looks at creative
ways hams get together on the radio to share their interests. This week,
we hear about a very young group of amateurs - and would-be amateurs -
who are discovering friendships over a net on DMR. Mike Askins, KE5CXP,
tells us more.

MIKE: On Sunday nights at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, some of the world's
youngest radio enthusiasts are taking time out to get to know one another
better. This is the Young Operators Digital Voice Net, and it's hosted on
the Quadnet Array, which draws operators from DMR, D-STAR, and Yaesu
Fusion. At the helm is 10-year-old Danielle Edgington, KE8JNU, daughter
of Dan, N8YMD, and Cindy, KE8JNT. Though Danielle is a relatively new
ticket holder, her enthusiasm for radio dates back to all those car rides
listening to her father's scanners and radios. Now she's spreading that
enthusiasm with other new licensees - or license candidates, who check in
as a third-party using the call sign of a nearby parent. Danielle told
Newsline they including Katie in Alabama, whose father Russell, KV4S,
helps her participate, and who might become net control one day too. They
recently included seven-year-old Carson, who checked in from Georgia,
with his father, Aaron, N4ARY, coaching him. The net has even had DX from
young hams in Trinidad & Tobago, the Philippines and England. Danielle
told Newsline that even if the kids start out a little nervous - as they
often do - they always check out knowing they are very welcome.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mike Askins, KE5CXP.
 
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Youngsters wishing to check in should visit the Quadnet
Array Website at openquad dot net for details on how to gain access via
Yaesu Fusion, D-STAR, EchoLink, DMR, and even the Peanut app on Android
smartphones.

** 

IN SEARCH OF OUR YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Young hams are our hobby's future. Amateur Radio Newsline
honors outstanding youthful amateurs, with its Young Ham of the Year
Award, named in memory of Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF. This is a
reminder that we have opened up the nomination period once again, and are
in search of candidates for this year. Award recipients offer the amateur
community, and the community-at-large, the best of their talents. All
information about eligibility is available on our website, arnewsline.org,
under the YHOTY tab. You'll be able to download a nomination form, which
is due back to us before midnight on May 31st. The award will be presented
on August 18th, at the Huntsville Hamfest, in Huntsville, Alabama.
--- SBBSecho 3.07-Win32
 * Origin: RadioWxNet: The Thunderbolt BBS  tbolt.synchro.net (801:1/2)
 þ Synchronet þ Temple of Doom BBS - tod.eothnet.com

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