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  • The ARRL Letter for February 5, 2026

    From ARRL Letter@memberlist@arrl.org to rec.radio.amateur.moderated,rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.radio.amateur.policy,rec.radio.info on Thu Feb 5 16:15:06 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.radio.amateur.misc

    view this email in your browser [ https://arrl.informz.net/InformzDataService/OnlineVersion/Individual?mailingInstanceId=3545433&subscriberId=520533606
    ]


    The ARRL Letter


    John E. Ross, KD8IDJ [ mailto:jross@arrl.org ] , Editor | February 5, 2026

    ARRL Home Page
    http://www.arrl.org

    ARRL Audio News
    http://arrl.org/arrl-audio-news

    [https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/amateur/]


    In this Issue:
    r-oARRL Joins America250 as a Supporting Partner for the Nation's 250th Anniversary

    r-oNCVEC Question Pool Committee Removes Three Questions from Use
    r-oChasing Balloons Around the World
    r-oAmateur Radio in the News
    r-oARRL Live Events and Podcasts
    r-oAnnouncements
    r-oIn Brief...
    r-oThe ARRL Solar Report
    r-oJust Ahead in Radiosport
    r-oUpcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    r-oSave the Date

    ARRL Joins America250 as a Supporting Partner for the Nation's 250th Anniversary


    ARRL announced today that it is a Supporting Partner of America250, joining
    the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country in 2026.


    America250 is the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that marks America's Semiquincentennial. Through education, engagement, and service, America250 seeks to bring Americans together to reflect on the nation's history and renew commitment to the ideals that unite us.


    As a Supporting Partner, ARRL will contribute to America250's mission by highlighting the historic and ongoing role of amateur radio in connecting people, supporting public service, and strengthening civic engagement across the United States. Since its founding in 1914, ARRL and its members have
    played a vital role in technical innovation, emergency communications, and volunteer service in communities.


    "Amateur radio has been part of the American story since the earliest days of wireless communication," said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. "For more than a century, the Amateur Radio Service has advanced the nation's communications capabilities by fostering technical innovation, developing a pool of trained and skilled operators, strengthening emergency and public service communications, and promoting international goodwill.

    These enduring contributions reflect why amateur radio continues to serve the public interest as a uniquely resilient and volunteer-driven national resource."


    "As we approach America's 250th anniversary, it's important to recognize the organizations and volunteers who have connected and served communities for generations," said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of America250.
    "Amateur radio reflects the spirit of service, innovation, and civic
    engagement at the heart of our nation's story, and we're proud to welcome
    ARRL as a Supporting Partner in this historic commemoration."


    ARRL is also strengthening STEM education by bringing amateur radio into American classrooms through hands-on, project-based curricula and teacher training. By connecting youth with real-world experiences, these programs bridge educational gaps, boost student achievement, and open pathways to
    higher education and careers in wireless communications and related technical fields.


    As part of its alignment with the US Semiquincentennial, ARRL is advancing several major initiatives throughout the year:


    ARRL Year of the Club.
    As previously announced to members, the ARRL Board of Directors has
    designated 2026 as the Year of the Club, recognizing the essential role that local amateur radio clubs play in building community, mentoring new
    operators, and delivering public service at the grassroots level.

    This nationwide focus celebrates clubs as engines of civic engagement and
    local connection.

    Icom America [ https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/amateur/ ] is the Official Sponsor of the ARRL Year of the Club.

    [More information [ https://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .]


    America250 Worked All States Operating Event. ARRL has already launched the America250 Worked All States (WAS) year-long event, calling on amateur radio operators worldwide to make contact with all 50 US states in honor of
    America's 250th anniversary. ARRL will produce an achievement award for radio amateurs who meet the challenge. [More information [ https://www.arrl.org/america250-was?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .]


    2026 ARRL Field Day is June 27 - 28. ARRL announces that the theme of 2026
    ARRL Field Day will be "Amateur Radio: A National Resource." Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933, and the largest
    on-the-air operating event in North America.

    Field Day showcases amateur radio's readiness to provide resilient communications in times of need while engaging the public through hands-on demonstrations and community outreach.

    [More information [ https://www.arrl.org/field-day?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .]


    ARRL's partnership with America250 reflects a shared commitment to honoring America's past while investing in the civic, technical, and volunteer spirit that will carry the nation forward.


    See the complete ARRL Press Release [ https://www.arrl.org/America250?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .


    [https://www.kf7p.com/KF7P/Dacron_Rope.html]


    NCVEC Question Pool Committee Removes Three Questions from Use

    The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC [ https://www.ncvec.org/ ] ) Question Pool Committee (QPC [ https://www.ncvec.org/index.php/question-pool-committee ] ) has removed two questions from the General Class question pool and one question from the
    Extra Class pool from use.


    [https://www.ncvec.org/]


    Due to recently published FCC rule changes affecting the 60-meter band (see previous ARRL News [ https://www.arrl.org/news/new-60-meter-frequencies-available-as-of-february-13?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] story), General Class questions G1A04 and G1C09 are no longer valid and
    must be removed from use on examinations.

    Extra Class question E4D05 must also be removed because it contains more than one correct answer.

    All affected questions should be removed from examinations as soon as
    possible.


    [https://arrl.org/volunteer-examiners]


    Updated General Class question pool files, including the errata and new information, have been posted to the NCVEC General Class question pool web
    page at www.ncvec.org/index.php/2023-2027-general-question-pool-release [ http://www.ncvec.org/index.php/2023-2027-general-question-pool-release ] .
    The current Element 3 General question pool became effective on July 1, 2023, and it is valid through June 30, 2027.


    Updated question pool files have also been posted to the NCVEC Extra Class question pool web page at www.ncvec.org/index.php/2024-2028-extra-class-question-pool-release [ http://www.ncvec.org/index.php/2024-2028-extra-class-question-pool-release ]
    . The current Element 4 Extra question pool became effective on July 1, 2024, and it is valid through June 30, 2028.


    The ARRL VEC [ https://arrl.org/volunteer-examiners ] advises the amateur
    radio community, and particularly Volunteer Examiners (VEs), to regularly
    check the NCVEC website at www.ncvec.org [ http://www.ncvec.org/ ] for
    updates to the question pools, which may include errata and withdrawn questions.


    [https://www.ccrane.com/arrl?utm_source=arrl&utm_medium=newsletter_banner&utm_campaign=2025_1&utm_content=ssb2]



    Chasing Balloons Around the World

    Edge of Space Sciences [ http://www.eoss.org/ ] , an ARRL Affiliated Club in Englewood, Colorado, has been monitoring three amateur radio pico balloons as the they continue to circumnavigate the globe.


    Officially, the balloons are referred to as flying pico tracker balloons.
    That breaks down to pico...for small, tracker...custom-built computer which
    has a GPS and radio transmitter to relay its location over long distances,
    and balloon... what you attach to a computer to see how far it can go!


    [https://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FEOSSP-2%2Ca%2FEOSSP-4%2Ca%2FEOSSP-3&timerange=259200&tail=86400]



    Two balloons were released at HamCon Colorado on October 25, 2026. EOSSP-3
    has completed 5 circumnavigations and is currently lost somewhere "up north." No signal has been heard for 4 days. EOSSP-4 has completed 7
    circumnavigations and is currently approaching India. Meanwhile, EOSSP-2, launched September 18, completed its 10th circumnavigation at 12:05 PM MST on February 4.


    You can track the balloons on aprs.fi with this LINK [ https://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FEOSSP-2%2Ca%2FEOSSP-4%2Ca%2FEOSSP-3&timerange=259200&tail=86400
    ] . Flight logs of both WSPR and APRS trackers, as well as various balloon configurations, are available.


    Club member Michael Pappas, W9CN, says the club has been active with pico ballons since 1990 and it's an effort to help kids, as well as seasoned amateurs, understand the dynamics involved. "The club has an FAA Part 101 waiver for pico balloons up to 30 pounds," said Pappas. "Air traffic will be diverted away from the balloon's path.


    Pico ballons can be inexpensive to construct. The balloon is similar to Mylar(R) party ballons and costs around $7. A small transmitter averages
    about $170.


    More information can be found on the club's website, www.eoss.org [ http://www.eoss.org/ ] .


    [https://www.rooftowers.com/customer-reviews-photos/?photos-2-5-26]


    Amateur Radio in the News

    "Local volunteer radio team hits top 6% in national disaster competition [ https://alachuachronicle.com/local-volunteer-radio-team-hits-top-6-in-national-disaster-competition/
    ] " / Alachua Chronicle (Florida) January 31, 2026 -- The North Florida
    Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.


    "Local HAM radio club finds modern uses for old technology [ https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/local-ham-radio-club-finds-modern-uses-for-old-technology/article_70330145-c55d-47ab-96d0-93ea04c43e40.html
    ] " / Payson Roundup (Arizona) February 3, 2026 -- The Tonto Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.


    Dr. Duino
    [http://www.digirig.net/]


    ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

    On the Air LIVE
    [https://learn.arrl.org/events]


    On the Air LIVE
    Ever wondered what it's really like to take a low-power radio into the field and make contacts with just a few watts? Did you know you can conduct a POTA operation with a super small QRP transceiver, an ultralight antenna, and a smartphone? Join ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he discusses the challenge and fun of QRP field operations.

    He will cover beginner-friendly basics like small QRP rigs, antenna
    selections, batteries, and CW versus digital modes.

    He will discuss his favorite QRP equipment and techniques.
    If you're curious about portable operation or ready to take your first steps into QRP, then join Wayne on the ARRL's Learning Center, learn.arrl.org [ http://learn.arrl.org ] , on February 24 at 8 PM Eastern. The livestream is free to ARRL members.

    Preregistration is required and can be accomplished on the Learning Center website.


    Up Next:

    Ef"- Date: February 24, 2026
    Efo- Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific
    Ef'e Register Now [ https://learn.arrl.org/webinars/90122 ] | rA- Previously Recorded Sessions [ https://learn.arrl.org/events ]


    [https://surgestop.com/coaxial-arrestors/index.html]


    ARRL Audio News
    [http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news]


    ARRL Audio News
    Listen to ARRL Audio News [ http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top
    news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews
    and other features. More info [ https://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] | Listen on Blubrry [ https://blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ ] | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.


    ARRL On the Air
    [http://www.arrl.org/on-the-air-podcast]


    On the Air
    Sponsored by Icom

    The America250 Worked All States Operating Event
    This year ARRL is celebrating America's 250th birthday by holding an all-year operating event called America 250 Worked All States. It has already started, so listen to the January 2026 On the Air podcast to learn how to jump right
    in.

    ARRL Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ,
    explains the rules and awards, and offers some operating strategies.

    More info [ http://www.arrl.org/on-the-air-podcast?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] | Listen on Blubrry [ https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/ ] | Also available
    on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.


    [https://www.arrl.org/HOA]


    Announcements

    Several amateur radio clubs across the county will operate special event stations for Presidents Day and George Washington's birthday.


    The Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club [ https://www.mvarc.org/ ] in Virginia
    will host a special event to commemorate 2026 Presidents Day and George Washington's birthday. Special event station K4US will be in operation on February 14 - 15, from 1000Z - 0300Z each day, from George Washington's Mount Vernon estate on the west shore of the Potomac River. Frequencies used will
    be 7.042, 7.242, 14.042, and 14.242 MHz. A QSL card will be available.


    The K9WRA/Woodford County Illinois Repeater Association [ https://k9wra.club/
    ] will operate special event station N9L on February 14 - 15, 1600Z - 2200Z,
    to honor President Washington's 294th birthday and Abraham Lincoln's
    birthday. Contact can be made on 7.205 MHz and a QSL card will be available.


    The Columbia Basin DX Club [ http://wartsnet.net/stations/w7g__special_event_station.htm ] , in George, Washington, will operate special event station W7G on February 22, 2026, to commemorate President Washington's birthday. George, Washington, is the only location in the United States with the first and last name of a U.S.
    president. Visit the club's website for more information.


    Visit the ARRL Special Event Stations [ https://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] database to find on-the-air events and commemorations.


    Additional funding is available for radio clubs.
    At their Annual Meeting on January 29, the ARRL Foundation Board of Directors voted unanimously to increase the maximum grant award in their Grants Program from $3,000 to $5,000 in support of the ARRL Year of the Club.

    Radio clubs are encouraged to apply for funding to support eligible amateur radio related projects and initiatives, particularly those with a focus on educating, licensing, and supporting activities that contribute to developing active hams.

    The Foundation Grants Program accepts proposals three times a year through an online application, in February, June, and October.

    Information can be found on the ARRL website at www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-grants [ https://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-grants?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] . Questions regarding grant proposals or eligibility may be directed by
    email to foundation@arrl.org [ mailto:foundation@arrl.org ] .


    In Brief...

    From February 7 - 22, 2026, a 16-day event will held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city of Gdynia, Poland...1926-2026. The Board of the Pomeranian Field Division of the Polish Amateur Radio Union (PZK) in
    Gda+(tm)sk is inviting all amateur radio operators to participate.

    Radio contacts with six special event stations, accumulating the required number of points, will qualify an operator to receive a commemorative electronic award.

    A limited number of commemorative paper QSL cards will be sent, but only to operators served by QSL bureaus.

    Amateur radio operators are advised to update their profile on QRZ.com to be eligible for the awards.

    It's estimated there are 16,000 amateur operators in Poland.
    Complete information, including frequencies, modes, and the call signs of the special event stations, can be found at ot09.pzk.org.pl/akcje/100gdynia/100gdy.php [ https://ot09.pzk.org.pl/akcje/100gdynia/100gdy.php ] .


    Open Positions at ARRL
    Come join the headquarters staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R)! We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:


    Operations Administrative Assistant
    Membership Manager
    RFI Lab Engineer
    Public Relations and Outreach Manager
    IT Support Specialist

    Full details may be found on the ARRL HR web page at www.arrl.org/careers [ http://www.arrl.org/careers?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .


    ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

    [https://www.w2phradio.com/]
    [http://preppcomm.com/] [https://www.flexradio.com/insider/articles/ft8-tipping-point-for-ham-radio/]


    [https://ai6ym.radio/picofox/?utm_source=arrl&utm_medium=email&utm_id=pfox4] [http://www.schulmanauction.com/] [https://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-multimeters/dm800/?utm_source=QST&utm_medium=eNews&utm_campaign=DM858]



    The ARRL Solar Report

    [https://www.arrl.org/technical-information-service?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&_zs=OV2xl&_zl=TltC3]



    ARRL Solar Report February 5, 2026

    Solar activity was at high levels for most of the week, dominated by Region 4366. The most notable event was an impulsive X4.2 flare from that region on February 4. Throughout the period, Region 4366 continued to exhibit a slight reduction in area and a modest simplification of its magnetic complexity.

    Region 4369 developed trailing spots while Regions 4370 and 4372 decayed in extent and complexity and became unipolar spot groups.

    The remaining numbered regions on the visible disk remained stable or in a state of slight decay.


    Three eruptions were observed in coronagraph imagery during the period. First was a coronal mass ejection (CME) off the SE limb, first observed in C2
    imagery on February 4, and was likely associated with flaring near Regions
    4370 and 4371. This event was followed by post-eruptive arcades also on February 4 at the same location, which further confirmed the source region despite flare activity being partially obscured by Region 4366. Modeling indicates no Earth-directed component.


    The second was a narrow eruption to the NNW, first seen in C2 imagery on February 4. While potentially associated with the aforementioned X4.2 event,
    it dissipated quickly and its analysis is low confidence. Lastly, there was another narrow eruption noted off the NE, first visible in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery. This event was likely a sympathetic eruption triggered by the X4.2, starting at approximately N15W22 between Regions 4366 and 4367.


    There is a slight potential of minor glancing blows from these eruptions
    early on February 8. Moderate to high solar activity is expected (80%) due to M-class flaring (R1-R2, minor-moderate) for February 5, with a high chance (40%) for X-class flares (R3-strong or greater) due to expected further activity from Region 4366.


    Solar wind parameters initially reflected nominal background conditions
    before showing a clear disturbance beginning February 3. Solar wind speed remained in a slow-wind regime, gradually increasing from about 290 km/s to a peak near 340 km/s.


    The solar wind is expected to remain in the current slightly enhanced regime before returning to nominal conditions until mid-day on February 5 when a disturbance is likely, due to the expected arrival of the complex CME ejecta associated with an X8.1 flare from Region 4366.


    The 10.7-centimeter flux: February 6, 120; February 7, 125; February 8, 130; February 9, 135; February 10, 140; February 11, 135; February 12, 140.


    Predicted sunspot numbers: February 5, 119; February 6, 115; February 7, 125; February 8, 111; February 9, 129; February 10, 105; February 11, 133.


    For more information concerning radio propagation, visit [ https://www.arrl.org/technical-information-service?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&_zs=OV2xl&_zl=TltC3&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] the ARRL Technical Information Service, read A Quick Guide to HF
    Propagation Using Solar Indices [ https://www.qsl.net/4x4xm/Propagation/HF-Propagation-Solar-Indices.htm ] ,
    and check out [ https://k9la.us/ ] the Propagation Page of Carl
    Luetzelschwab, K9LA.


    For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website [ https://www.voacap.com/ ] .


    [https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2070343778]


    Just Ahead in Radiosport

    r-oFebruary 5 - 6 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- LABRE-RS Digi Contest (digital)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- Vermont QSO Party (all modes)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- 10-10 International Winter Contest SSB (phone) r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- F9AA Cup (CW)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- European Union DX Contest (CW, phone)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- Mexico RTTY International Contest (digital)
    r-oFebruary 7 -- Minnesota QSO Party (CW, phone)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- FYBO Winter QRP Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    r-oFebruary 7 - 8 -- British Columbia QSO Party (CW, phone)
    r-oFebruary 8 -- North American Sprint [ https://ncjweb.com/Sprint-Rules.pdf
    ] (CW)

    r-oFebruary 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone) r-oFebruary 9 - 13 -- ARRL School Club Roundup [ https://www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] (CW, phone, digital)

    r-oFebruary 10 -- DARC FT4 Contest (digital)
    r-oFebruary 11 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
    r-oFebruary 13 - 14 -- YLRL YL - OM Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    r-oFebruary 14 -- PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint (digital)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest (digital)
    r-oFebruary 14 -- Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint (CW)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- Russian PSK WW Contest (digital)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- KCJ Topband Contest (CW)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- Dutch PACC Contest (CW, phone)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    r-oFebruary 14 - 15 -- OMISS QSO Party (phone)
    r-oFebruary 14 -- RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest (phone)
    r-oFebruary 15 -- Balkan HF Contest (CW, phone)
    r-oFebruary 15 - 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

    Remember to visit the ARRL Contest Calendar [ https://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar?_zs=OV2xl&_zl=geQ73&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL%20website%20amateur%20radio%20&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL


    &utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaig&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] for more events and information.


    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    r-oFebruary 7 | Hendricks County Hamfest [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/hendricks-county-hamfest-arrl-indiana-section-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Indiana Section Convention, Danville, Indiana

    r-oFebruary 13 - 15 | Orlando HamCation [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/orlando-hamcation-arrl-southeastern-division-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, Florida

    r-oFebruary 20 - 21 | Greater Houston HamFest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/greater-houston-hamfest-arrl-texas-state-convention-2?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Texas State Convention, Rosenberg, Texas

    r-oFebruary 27 - 28 | ARRL Southwestern Division Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-southwestern-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , Yuma Arizona

    r-oFebruary 28 | HAM-CON [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/ham-con-arrl-vermont-state-convention-5?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , ARRL Vermont State Convention, Colchester, Vermont

    r-oMarch 6 - 7 | BirmingHAMfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/birminghamfest-arrl-alabama-section-convention-2?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Alabama Section Convention, Trussville, Alabama

    r-oMarch 15 | WINTERFEST 2026 - The National Capital Area Ham Radio Fair [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/winterfest-2026-the-national-capital-area-ham-radio-fair-arrl-virginia-state-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , ARRL Virginia State Convention, Vienna, Virginia

    r-oMarch 21 | St. Patrick's Day Hamfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/st-patrick-s-day-hamfest-arrl-west-texas-section-convention-2?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas

    r-oMarch 28 | Central Dakota Amateur Radio Club Hamfest [ https://w0zrt.com/
    ] , hosting the ARRL North Dakota State Convention, Bismarck, North Dakota

    r-oApril 4 | RARSfest [ http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/rarsfest-the-raleigh-hamfest-arrl-roanoke-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina

    r-oApril 10 - 11 | Green Country Hamfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/green-country-hamfest-arrl-oklahoma-section-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Oklahoma Section Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma


    Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar?_zs=OV2xl&_zl=nww63&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] Database to find events in your area.


    Save the Date

    r-oMarch 14 - 15 | HamSCI 2026 [ https://hamsci.org/hamsci2026 ] Workshop, hosted by ARRL in New Britain & Newington, Connecticut

    r-oApril 4 | RARSfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/rarsfest-the-raleigh-hamfest-arrl-roanoke-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina

    r-oMay 15 - 17 | Dayton Hamventio [ http://hamvention.org/ ] n, Xenia, Ohio r-oJune 5 - 7 | SEA-PAC [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sea-pac-arrl-northwestern-division-convention-4?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon

    r-oJune 26 - 28 | HAM RADIO [ http://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.com/ ] , International Amateur Radio Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany

    r-oAugust 7 - 8 | Shreveport-Bossier Hamfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/shreveport-bossier-hamfest-arrl-delta-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana

    r-oAugust 13 - 16 | Northeast HamXposition [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/northeast-hamxposition-arrl-new-england-division-convention-5?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts

    r-oAugust 15 | Cincinnati Hamfest [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/cincinnati-hamfest-arrl-great-lakes-division-convention-1?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] r(tm)a, hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention

    r-oAugust 22 - 23 | Huntsville Hamfest [ https://hamfest.org/ ] , hosting the 2026 ARRL National Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/arrl-expo?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , Huntsville, Alabama

    r-oOctober 10 | North Star Radio Convention [ https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/north-star-radio-convention-arrl-dakota-division-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , hosting the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

    r-oOctober 16 - 18 | Pacificon [ https://www.pacificon.org/ ] , ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California


    [http://www.arrl.org]


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

    Join ARRL or renew today! [ https://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you
    get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines [ https://www.arrl.org/magazines?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] : QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.


    Listen to ARRL Audio News [ http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] , available every Friday.


    The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io [ https://groups.io/g/blind-hams ] email group. The
    group is dedicated to discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.


    NCJ -- National Contest Journal [ http://www.ncjweb.com/ ] . Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprints, and QSO parties.


    QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters [ http://www.arrl.org/qex?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] . Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.


    Free of charge to ARRL members...

    Subscribe [ https://home.arrl.org/action/My-Account/Opt-In-Out ] to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest newsletter), Division and Section news
    alerts, and much more!


    Find ARRL on Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org/ ] ! Follow us on Threads [ https://www.threads.net/arrlhq ] , X [ https://twitter.com/arrl ] , and Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/arrlhq ] .


    The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at www.arrl.org/opt-in-out [ http://www.arrl.org/opt-in-out?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL
    ] .


    Copyright -(c) 2026 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.


    ARRL Logo
    [https://www.arrl.org/]


    ARRL
    225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400
    www.arrl.org [ http://www.arrl.org/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]
    - 860-594-0200


    ARRL Facebook
    [https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org]
    ARRL Instagram
    [https://www.instagram.com/arrlhq/]
    ARRL X
    [https://x.com/arrl]
    ARRL YouTube
    [https://www.youtube.com/ARRLHQ]
    ARRL LinkedIn
    [https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-radio-relay-league/]
    ARRL Shop
    [http://www.arrl.org/shop]
    ARRL Email
    [mailto:hq@arrl.org?subject=ARRL%20Email]


    -(c) 2026 - ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R)

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