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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2478 for Friday, April 25th, 2025 Amateur
Radio Newsline Report Number 2478 with a release date of Friday, April
25th, 2025 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1
The following is a QST. The IARU has proposed restructuring. The
Fram2Ham contest announces its winners -- and hams go to bat for
endangered bats. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report
Number 2478 comes your way right now.
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BILLBOARD CART
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INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO UNION EYES RESTRUCTURING
PAUL/ANCHOR: Our top story is the International Amateur Radio Union
which has just marked the 100th anniversary of its founding in Paris.
It's using the occasion to look within - and to consider a way it can
be restructured. The IARU's administrative council has released a
consultation containing an overview and a number of proposals. Region
2, which covers North, Central and South America, will be hosting two informational meetings on the Zoom platform where Region 2 societies
can discuss the document, ask questions or recommend changes.
One Zoom session will be conducted in SPANISH on Monday, May 5, 2025 at
2359 UTC moderated by Ramón Santoyo XE1KK, former Region 2 president,
Region 2 president, George Gorsline VE3YV, will moderate a session on Wednesday, May 7th in English at 2359 UTC.
Links to both meetings can be found in the text version of this week's
newscast at arnewsline.org You will also find a link to the homepage of
IARU Region 2 where you can download the document in PDF format.
SPANISH LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82609444630?pwd=i1NEHoR1VqfylfbKFpGDUmfYD88mV
S.1
ENGLISH LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86183716447?pwd=7fr0dZEkI2j9n64paDMKwy7Xc7DGn
O.1
IARU REGION 2:
https://www.iaru-r2.org/en/consultation-on-the-restructuring-of-iaru/
(IARU REGION 2)
**
HAMS ACTIVATE IRAN'S FIRST SPECIAL EVENT STATION FOR IARU
PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, as special event stations around the world
marked the 100th year of the IARU, there was a new voice calling CQ
this year for the occasion. We have those details from John Williams
VK4JJW.
JOHN: If you happened to hear the callsign EP100IARU on April 18th and
you got in the log, you are among the more than 500 contacts made by
eight amateur radio operators in Iran using CW, SSB and FT8. This was
the first activation in celebration of the IARU's anniversary organised
by the Naghsh e Jahan Radio-Amateur Society. World Amateur Radio Day
marks the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union in 1925
inParis.
In Iran, the special event station coordinator, Amir, EP3ISF [E P THREE
EYE S F], told Newsline that the group's participation marked a
"significant milestone" for everyone. Meanwhile, be patient: He said
that QSL cards are being mailed directly.
This is John Williams VK4JJW.
(AMIR EP3ISF)
**
PANCREATIC CANCER SPECIAL EVENT HONORS ITS FOUNDER'S MEMORY
PAUL/ANCHOR: In Pennsylvania, radio ops activating a special event
callsign are feeling the absence of the ham with whom it all began. We
hear more from Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.
KEVIN: This is the first year that special event station N3P is going
on the air without Rich Ryba [pron: REE-BAH] WQ3Q. Rich conceived of
the event three years ago to call attention to the work of the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or PanCAN, an organization that
serves patients and families of patients suffering from pancreatic
cancer.
Rich had lost his younger brother, Tom, to the disease years earlier
and became a Silent Key from it himself last year. Bill Samek, W3BUW,
said that he knew it was time for the Skyview Amateur Radio Society,
the club Rich had belonged to, to fulfill the mission for him this
year. Operators are putting N3P on the air on 25th, 26th and 27th of
April, coordinated as always to the Purple Stride Walk benefit that
takes place on Saturday, April 26th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - one
of several such walk-a-thons around the nation.
Yes, there will be QSL cards but these are not typical QSOs. As Rich
himself told Newsline in an interview in 2023: [quote] "People want to
talk, want to share their experiences with their family. We told our
operators to sit and listen. It doesn't matter how long the contact
takes if it serves a purpose of helping." [Endquote]
This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.
(BILL SAMEK, W3BUW)
**
WRTC BIDDING DEADLINE FOR SPONSORED TEAMS IS APRIL 30TH
PAUL/ANCHOR: The World Radiosport Team Championship is one year away
and yes, you too can qualify to compete - for a price. Jeremy Boot
G4NJH explains how.
JEREMY: If you're interested in competing in the World Radiosport Team Championship in the UK in 2026, you have until the 30th of April to
submit your sealed bid in US currency. Two sponsored team positions are available. The two highest bidders will be selected for WRTC2026 after
an auction of two rounds. The minimum bid is 20,000 US dollars.
Sponsored teams have participated in previous WRTC events and differ
from qualifying teams in that they purchase their place in the
competition.WRTC organisers consider this arrangement provides a
valuable contribution to the event's budget. All teams are bound by the
same operational rules.
Bidders will be notified by the 6th of May as to their standing in the
first round and will become eligible to submit their final bid no later
than the 31st of May.
For more details about the process, see the link in the text version of
this week's newscast at arnewsline.org
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
[DO NOT READ:
https://www.wrtc2026.org/selection-criteria/sponsored-teams/ ]
(WRTC)
**
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR HAM RADIO BOOTCAMP
JIM/ANCHOR: An amateur radio society in New Hampshire has a message for
radio amateurs regardless of whether they are Technician, General or
Extra class: If you want to get on the air more, start by getting
online -- especially on one particular day next month. Patrick Clark
K8TAC explains.
PATRICK: On the 10th of May, the Nashua Area Radio Society is hosting
its free Ham Bootcamp on the Zoom platform from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern
Time. Demonstrations and tutorials will cover emergency communications, satellite operations, FT 8 and equipment for VHF/UHF operating.
Hams will also learn how to build a station so they can get on the air.
In fact, one of the main purposes of the bootcamp is to help hams
overcome many of the most common obstacles that keep them off the air -everything from how to select the right HT to participating in
foxhunting or contesting.
For more details, visit the link in the text version of this week's
newscast at arnewsline.org
[DO NOT READ:
https://www.n1fd.org/ham-bootcamp/ ]
(QRZ.COM, AMATEUR RADIO DAILY)
**
HAM RADIO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN SELECTS "REMOTE" THEME
PAUL/ANCHOR: If you are planning to attend Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen
this June, you'll be asked to consider some remote possibilities. In
this case "remote" refers to "remote radio," which is the theme of the international amateur radio exhibition this year. Jeremy Boot G4NJH has
those details.
JEREMY: The weekend of June 27th will be devoted to the usual in-person contacts between old friends, with plenty of workshops, seminars and new-product displays in the mix of activities. The motto for this
year's exhibition in Germany, however, is all about NOT being there.
The theme of "Remote Radio - Connecting the World" focuses on how radio operators are no longer required to be in the same place as their
equipment in order to transmit successfully. This kind of remote
operation has already been demonstrated in a number of high-profile
DXpeditions using the Radio-in-a-Box. These stations are controlled
remotely over the Internet, opening up more opportunities for those who
wish to experiment and allowing DXpeditions to take place in
environmentally sensitive areas where human presence is forbidden or restricted.
Last year's event attracted more than 11,300 attendees from 58 nations.
For full details about the programme and accommodation for Europe's
largest ham radio trade fair, see the link in the text version of this
week's newscast at arnewsline.org
I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
[DO NOT READ:
https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.com/ ]
(HAM RADIO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN)
**
NOMINATE OUR NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR
PAUL/ANCHOR: Each year, the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak
Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award receives nominations of promising
young hams who truly impress our judges. It is time once again to give
them an opportunity at the recognition they deserve. Consider
nominating an amateur radio operator 18 years of age or younger here in
the continental United States. Consider someone who has talent, promise
and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio. Find application forms on
our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. We are accepting
nominations through May 31st.
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including
the AH6LE repeater in Clackamas County Oregon on Sundays at 6 p.m.
local time.
**
HAMS GO WITH THE FLOW FOR "CANOE CHALLENGE" FUNDRAISER
PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams in Pennsylvania will be on the riverfront following
the progress of canoes for a special charity challenge, as we hear from
Travis Lisk N3ILS.
TRAVIS: The Northbrook Canoe Challenge taking place on May 3rd on Pennsylvania's Brandywine River is actually three challenges in one.
The first challenge is to help support the Cerebral Palsy Association
of Chester County. The second is for the boaters to enjoy navigating
the at-times challenging 9.5 miles of waterway, taking special care
around a dam that they encounter midway through the course.
The third challenge is the one that will be facing amateur radio
operators from the Chester County ARES/RACES group - to help ensure
everyone's safety. The hams have provided communications for this
charitable event for 23 of its 47 years. Like oars guiding the canoes
through the challenging waters, the radio operators are guided by a net
control station as they check in with real-time reports throughout the
two-hour challenge using a system of four linked UHF repeaters with
simplex backup.
While the hams pass traffic from the shore, the Chester County Dive
Team keeps closer watch from the water itself. Jim Harris, WA3NOA, the
hams' technical lead and coordinator, is in touch with the head of the
dive team, who communicates with him and the divers using the county's
extra rugged handheld P25 radios.
Jim told Newsline that it's not over until the final canoe - piloted by
someone from the canoe company itself - comes by. Then everyone can be
certain that no one has been left behind. He said that canoeing is
popular in the county -- and on May 3rd, canoeing to raise funds is
certain to keep the local Cerebral Palsy Association buoyant too.
This is Travis Lisk N3ILS.
(JIM HARRIS, WA3NOA)
**
SOUTH AFRICAN HAMS FOSTER RADIO'S GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARA
JIM/ANCHOR: As it marks the completion of its first 100 years, the
South African Radio League has set an ambitious goal for itself - one
that takes its efforts beyond South Africa. We hear more from Jim
Meachen ZL2BHF.
JIM M: With age comes wisdom - or so it's said - so as it prepares to
mark its centenary in May, the South African Radio League has decided
that it would be an especially wise move to nurture amateur radio's
growth throughout sub-Saharan Africa. SARL president Nico van Rensburg,
ZS6QL, told the website TechCentral that amateur radio is almost
nonexistent outside of Egypt and Nigeria in the northern part of the
continent and Namibia and South Africa in the south.
He said [quote] : "You have this middle part of Africa where there is
nothing, absolutely nothing." [endquote]
Finding a foothold for amateur radio in less-developed parts of the
continent will be an ambitious agenda and SARL acknowledges that this
kind of expansion will need political and financial support. SARL's
Chris Turner ZS6GM, who has been active in amateur radio instruction
and mentoring, has already had success with efforts in Mozambique. In
that nation, ham radio operators are seen as an asset, especially when
floods or other natural disasters require emergency communications.
SARL has already kicked off its next 100 years with a Centenary
Marathon QSO Party that began on the 1st of January and will continue
through to the 31st of December. Special event callsigns will include ZS100SARL.
This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
(TECH CENTRAL CO, DX WORLD.NET)
**
ASTRONAUT ANNOUNCES FRAM2HAM SSTV CONTEST WINNERS
PAUL/ANCHOR: Congratulations to the three highest-scoring student teams
in the Fram2Ham SSTV competition. We hear about the winners from Andy
Morrison K9AWM.
ANDY: The Fram2Ham SSTV competition was all about the
successfulreception of a number of different SSTV images that
astronauts sent from the SpaceX capsule in early April during the Fram2 mission. The transmissions were sent over 2-metres, puzzle-style, by
astronaut Rabea Rogge, LB9NJ/KD3AID as the 3-day mission undertook the
first human spaceflight to orbit the planet over the North and South
poles. When pieced together, the images formed a complete picture.
First-place winner was the Team ARISStocats with students in Lithuania,
Italy, Switzerland and here in the US, California and Pennsylvania.
Second place was awarded to Team W1HLO-LA1K!, comprising students in
Norway, Germany and, here in the US, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Finally, third-place winner was the team known as GuufyFram! ["GOOFY
FRAM"] with students from France, Greece and, here in the US,
Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New York.
The astronaut said, in a statement: [quote] "Well done everyone - we
loved to see that all the teams were very international. My hope is
that some friendships have formed, the passion for technology has been
kindled and that most of all everyone had fun." [endquote]
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(AMSAT-UK)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, the Guernsey Amateur Radio Society will operate
special event station GU 80 LIB from the 9th through to the 11th of
May to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel
Islands at the end of World War II. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
The Radio Club Pierre Coulon, F5KMB, continues with its celebration of
the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Club members
are activating four callsigns: TM100I [T M ONE HUNDRED EYE], TM100A,
TM100R and TM100U. which will be on the air through to the 13th of
July. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
David, M0YBC will be active as MD0YBC from the Isle of Man., IOTA
number EU-116, from the 25th through to the 28th of April and again
from the 1st through to the 4th of August. David plans to operate from
eight POTA locations on the island. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
The Japan Amateur Radio League will has a special event station on the
air until the 13th of October at the premises of the 2025 Expo in
Osaka-city. Listen for the callsign 8K3EXPO. See QRZ.com for QSL
details.
(425 DX BULLETIN)
**
KICKER: HAMS GO TO BAT FOR VANISHING BATS
PAUL/ANCHOR: For our final story, we look at bats -- flying mammals
known for the biological sonar transmissions used for echolocation to
help them navigate and find food. Well, meet some bats in northern New
York State who recently began transmitting on VHF too - and meet the
hams who are tuning in to copy them. Kent Peterson KC0DGY has
thatstory.
KENT: Tricolored bats are tiny -- but the transmitters they are wearing
so conservationists can track them, are even smaller. Ashley Meyer from
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is tracking
the bats because of the appearance of an invasive fungal disease known
as White Nose Syndrome. White Nose Syndrome has caused the bats'
population to decline by 98 percent, making them candidates for the
endangered species listing.
That's why some hams in the Adirondack [ADDA-RON-DACK] Mountains are
going to bat - for the bats. The state sent out a request to ham clubs
asking for help in tracking the bats' signals being transmitted in 1
kHz steps between 150 and 151 MHz. Ashley said the Champlain
[SHAM-PLANE] Valley Amateur Radio Club responded. Club president Mark
KD2RJP said that a dozen or so hams will be participating. Their job,
according to Ashley, is to track where the bats spend the summer and
record the distance they migrate.
Ashley said the bat tracking squad will also include agency staffers
and bat specialists using ground telemetry. Ashley herself will be
tracking bats from a plane during the night of the bats' release.
Everyone is motivated and excited but remember - since the bats aren't transmitting on the amateur frequencies, don't expect any QSL cards.
This is Kent Peterson KC0DGY.
(425 DX BULLETIN, DX WORLD)
**
Have you sent in your amateur radio haiku to Newsline's haiku challenge
yet? It's as easy as writing a QSL card. Set your thoughts down using traditional haiku format - a three-line verse with five syllables in
the first line, seven in the second and five in the third. Submit your
work on our website at arnewsline.org - each week's winner gets a
shout-out on our website, where everyone can find the winning haiku.
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur News Daily; AMSAT-UK; Amir
EP3ISF; Bill Samek, W3BUW; David Behar K7DB; DX World; 425 DX Bulletin;
Ham Radio Friedrichshafen; IARU Region 2; QRZ.com; shortwaveradio.de;
Wireless Institute of Australia; World Radiosport Team Championship;
and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. We
remind our listeners that Amateur Radio Newsline is an all-volunteer
non-profit organization that incurs expenses for its continued
operation. If you wish to support us, please visit our website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate you all. We also remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please leave us a 5-star
rating wherever you subscribe to us. For now, with Caryn Eve Murray
KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our news team worldwide, I'm
Paul Braun WD9GCO in Valparaiso Indiana saying 73. As always we thank
you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2025. All
rights reserved.
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