CChanges CComing tto CCQ AAward PProgram, pp.79 http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com $6.99 C & T OMMUNICATIONS ECHNOLOGY JULY 2022 Raising the bar on performance and reliability! RECENT STEPPIR INNOVATIONS 1 NEW BRUSH/CONTACT ASSEMBLY The new element housing unit (EHU) brush/contact assembly has greatly reduced friction buildup, with an average 36% friction reduction over the product life-cycle. The new assembly achieves this advantage without affecting product life expectations. The brush contact combination wears at a similar rate as our previous contacts. This new brush/contact not only has lower friction and the same longevity, it also greatly reduces RF noise during the tuning process due to the material properties of the contact. 2 NEW COPPER STRIP INDEXING The engineering team at SteppIR has completely redesigned our copper strip indexing and crowning system – this has taken the better part of a year of extensive design and testing, along with a near total (cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:262)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3) pitch and repeatability is now producing the most consistent and reliable material we have ever had. 3 NEW 40/30 SWEEP ASSEMBLY We always make it a point to listen closely to our customer base – we consider them to be an extension of our engineering department and are very thankful to have this resource. Thanks to a great initial idea we heard about from a few of our customers, we were able to leverage that knowledge into an all-new sweep system for our 40/30 loops. The new system will make the installation of antennas with (cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:262)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:3) diverter system for the sweep return, will ensure that the copper conductor has a clear path through the sweep material at all times. This new design will eliminate the need for the sweep couplers. 2 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y FOR PRODUCT DETAILS AND ORDERING: steppIR www.steppir.com 425-453-1910 ham radio news Dayton Roars Back … With an Asterisk “is ‘Satellites in Space Help Us Live Better Lives Here on Earth,’”addingthatonceyoungpeople’sinterestisengaged, The world’s largest hamfest was back in-person in May for the program can involve them in, “experiences and exercis- the first time since 2019. The Dayton Hamvention® drew an esthatthenuseamateursatellitesandamateurradioastheir official attendance of 31,367 people to the Greene County ‘laboratory’ or ‘classroom.’” FairgroundsinXenia,Ohio,afterbeingcancelledin2020and Theinitiativeiscommunity-basedandwillworkdirectlywith 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. According to Hamvention youngpeople,theirparentsandyouthorganizations,relying officials, that’s about 1,000 fewer people than attended in on two websites — KidzSat.com for kids in grades 5-7 and 2019,butGeneralChairmanRickAllnut,WS8G,saidhecon- BuzzSat.com for teens in grades 8-12 — which will provide sidered that “not bad for a pandemic recovery year.” age-appropriate activities and exercises. Participants will Unfortunately, the pandemic is not completely behind us also have access to a network of online software-defined and CQhas heard reports from multiple sources of many radios (SDRs) that will let them receive images and teleme- attendeesreturninghomeandtestingpositiveforCovid.We try from active satellites as they pass overhead. wish them all a full and speedy recovery. TheQuarterCenturyWirelessAssociation(QCWA)issup- porting the program through a $4,000 grant to help pay the Also in Ohio … YOTA Camp 2022 costs of developing the online lessons and network of SDR ThesecondannualYouthon the Air (YOTA)Americassum- ground stations. mer camp was underway as this was written, based once again at the National Voice of America Museum of Second Interoperable Radio System for ARISS BroadcastinginsouthwesternOhio.Tweetsfromthegroup Contacts Installed on Space Station reportedthattherooftopantennasontheirhotelweredam- aged by a heavy thunderstorm, but that special event sta- Astronauts participating in the Amateur Radio on the tionW8Ymanagedtoquicklygetbackontheair.Theyalso InternationalSpaceStationprogram(ARISS)willsoonhave launched and recovered a high-altitude balloon, among asecondinteroperableamateurstationavailableformaking many other activities. We’ll have more details in upcoming contacts with schools and other groups. According to the issues. AMSAT News Service, a new Kenwood TM-D710GA trans- ceiver — delivered to the space station back in February — FCC Proposes Huge Fine for Firefighter QRM wasinstalledinthestation’sRussiansegmentinlateMayby TheFCChasproposedfininganIdahoham$34,000forwhat CosmonautOlegArtemyev,providingasecondplatformfrom itcalledwillfulandrepeatedtransmissionsonfirecontrolfre- which crew members may conduct ARISS contacts. quencies during a wildfire operation in the state in 2021. RBN Launches New Website AccordingtotheARRLLetter,theFCCsaysJasonFrawley, WA7CQ, of Lewiston, repeatedly interfered with U.S. Forest TheReverseBeaconNetworkhaslaunchedarevampedweb- Service and Idaho Department of Land firefighting person- site at <reversebeacon.net>. RBN stations actively monitor nel by transmitting on government frequencies on which he the bands and report the stations they hear to the network. wasnotlicensedtooperate.FrawleyreportedlytoldtheFCC Those spots are then posted on the website, along with infor- he was trying to help, not interfere, by passing along infor- mationsuchasbandandsignalstrength.Thenewsitebrings mation about the area in which the fire was burning, with back a live map on which spots are posted, along with color- which he said he was very familiar. coded lines between the transmitting and receiving stations TheCommissiondidn’tbuyFrawley’sargument,notingthat that indicate the band in use. The map updates frequently, this was the largest fine it had ever imposed for this type of with the most recent spots shown. Many other new features interference. The case even drew the attention of FCC areincluded.Forinformation,visit<reversebeacon.net>,click Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, who said the transmis- on “about” and then “Guide to the new site (beta).” sions, “put fire suppression and public safety itself at risk,” noting, “You can’t interfere with public safety communica- Milestones: SEA-PAC Turns 40 tions. Full stop.” SEA-PAC, the largest hamfest in the northwest, celebrated its40thanniversaryinearlyJune.TheARRLreportsthatthe AMSAT Launches Youth Initiative, with convention drew some 15,000 people to the Seaside QCWA Support Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon. AMSAT,theRadioAmateurSatelliteCorporation,introduced More News Elsewhere in This Issue anewyouthinitiativeprogramduringitsHamvention®forum inMay.AccordingtotheAMSATNewsService,theprogram K9CT and KM3T were inducted into the CQ Contest Hall of has been in the planning stage for two years and, “takes a Fame,alongwithsixnewmembersoftheCQAmateurRadio radically different approach to introducing youth to amateur Hall of Fame. The complete announcement is on page 32. radio and satellites.” AMSAT Development VP Frank In addition, CQ award certificates are beginning a transition Karnauskas, N1UW, noted that satellite use is pervasive in to high-definition PDF files that will be delivered immediate- virtually everything we do today, from tracking climate ly after an award application is approved, eventually elimi- changeandforecastingtheweathertobroadcastingandmil- natinglongwaitsforhand-letteredpapercertificates.Details itary operations. “Our message to youth,” says Karnauskas, are in our Awards column on page 79. wwww.cq-amateur-radio.com July 22022 • CQ • 1 contents JULY 2022 • VOLUME 78 NUMBER 07 113 8 COVER: HAMVENTION 2022 “THE REUNION” by Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB The granddaddy of all ham radio flea mar- kets was back in full force this year as Hamvention® returned to the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio, for the first time in three years. Columnist K0NEB provides us with a photo tour on page 8 and KL7AJ offers a “Dayton Debrief” in a bonus edition of his Analog Adventures column on page 52. (Cover photos by Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB) 19 32 features 13 RESULTS OF THE 2022 CQWW WPX RTTY 30 ANNOUNCING: 2022 INDUCTEES TO THE CQ CONTEST AMATEUR RADIO AND CONTESTING HALLS By Chris Tate, N6WM & Ed Muns, WØYK OF FAME By Staff 19 EARTHQUAKE AT THE EQUATOR The Guayaquil Radio Club Remembers Six Years Later 32 “GREEN” POWER FOR QRPp the 670 Dead in the Biggest Earthquake in Ecuador’s Explore the World of QRPp Radios with Biodegradable Recent History Batteries By Martin Butera, PT2ZDX / LU9EFO By Hiroki Kato, AH6CY 24 ANNOUNCING: THE 2022 CQ WORLD-WIDE RTTY 94 COMPLETE LINE SCORES OF THE 2022 CQWW DX CONTEST WPX RTTY CONTEST By Ed Muns, WØYK By Chris Tate, N6WM & Ed Muns, WØYK 27 CQ CLASSIC: The Birth of HF Privileges for Novice and Technicians Ticket Talk: FCC Proposes Voice Privileges for Novices By Frederick O. Maia, W5YI (August 1986) columns 38 MATH’S NOTES: A Dummy Load, Spare Power, and a 54 LEARNING CURVE: Antenna Traps Voltage Detector By Ron Ochu, KOØZ By Irwin Math, WA2NDM 57 GORDO’S SHORT CIRCUUITS: Antenna Dilemma: 40 THE LISTENING POST: Mystery (Not) Colombian Wobbly Anchor, No Holes Allowed! Station Remains a Mystery By Gordon West, WB6NOA By Gerry Dexter 62 HAM NOTEBOOK: More Projects on the Workbench 44 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: It’s a Disaster! By Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ What Am I Going to Do? 68 MAGIC IN THE SKY: The Dead Band Challenge By John Ferguson, K3PFW By Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR 49 KIT-BUILDING: Scratching the Surface (Mount) ... Four 70 DIGITAL CONNECTION: High(ish) Speed Packet... State QRP Group SMT Dummy Load Kit Some Practical Advice on Breaking the 1k2 Barrier By Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB By Don Rotolo, N2IRZ 52 ANALOG ADVENTURES: Dayton Debrief By Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ departments 76 VHF PLUS: Making Super High Frequencies 86 CONTESTING: How Many Active Contesters Are Available to the Masses There? By Trent Fleming, N4DTF By Tim Shoppa, N3QE 79 AWARDS: Changes Coming to CQ Award Certificates, 91 PROPAGATION: What Does July Propagation Have in WAZ and WPX First to Change Store For Us? By Steve Molo, KI4KWR By Tomas Hood, NW7US 80 DX: DX Chasing Guide for Novice and Technician Licensees By Bob Schenck, N2OO miscellaneous 54 1 HAM RADIO NEWS 7 NEWS BYTES 4 ANNOUNCEMENTS 26 SPURIOUS SIGNALS 5 OUR READERS SAY 110 LOOKING AHEAD 6 ZERO BIAS 112 HAM SHOP 70 announcements EDITORIALSTAFF Richard S. Moseson, W2VU, Editor Jason Feldman, KD2IWM, Managing Editor Susan Moseson, Editorial Consultant JULY HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — The Harrisburg Radio Amateurs’Clubwill hold its 51stAnnual Firecracker Electronics CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Expo and Hamfestand 2022 ARRL Pennsylvania State Conventionbeginning 8 a.m., Saturday, July 2 at the Harrisburg Postal Kent Britain, WA5VJB, Antennas Employees Picnic Grounds, 1500 Roberts Valley Road. Contact: Terry Snyder, WB3BKN, (717) 896-0256. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w3uu.org>. Talk-in 147.075 (PL 123).DXCC / WAS/ VUCC card checking. Martin Butera, PT2ZDX / LU9EFO, At-Large PLAINS, PENNSYVANIA — The Murgas Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the 43rdAnnual Wilkes-Barre Hamfest and Computerfest Gerry L. Dexter,The Listening Post beginning8 a.m., Sunday, July 3 at the Polish American Veterans, 2 South Oak Street. Contact: Herb, K2LNS, (570) 829-2695. Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB, Kit-Building Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http://hamfest.murgasarc.org>. Talk-in 146.610- (PL 82.5). VE exams John Ferguson, K3PFW, Emergency Communications CAMILLUS, NEW YORK — The Radio Amateurs of Greater Syracusewill hold Roger’s RAGS Hamfest2022from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367, 6117 Newport Road. Contact: Jerry Wright, NK2C, Trent Fleming, N4DTF, VHF Plus <[email protected]>. Website:<www.ragsclub.org>. Talk-in 146.91- (PL 103.5). VE exams. Tomas Hood, NW7US,Propagation OAK CREEK, WISCONSIN — The South Milwaukee Amateur Radio Club will hold the South Milwaukee Swapfest 2022 from John Langridge, KB5NJD, MF/LF Operating 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at the American Legion Post 434, 9327 S. Sheppard Avenue. Contact: Karen, KC9WQJ, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, Ham Radio Explorer (414) 578-0492. Email: <[email protected]>. Website:<http://southmilwaukeearc.org>. Talk-in 146.910- (PL 127.3). Irwin Math, WA2NDM,Math’s Notes ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA — The MAGIC Repeater Club will hold the MAGIC TAILGATERfrom 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 9 at the Galilee Lutheran Church, 145 N. McCarrons Boulevard. Contact: Leon Dill, WØCOE, (651) 688-9964. Email: Joe Moell, KØOV,Homing In <[email protected]>. Website: <www.magicrepeater.net>. Talk-in 145.170 (PL 100). VE exams. Steve Molo, KI4KWR,Awards SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK — The Suffolk County VHF/UHF Association will hold its Hamfest 2022beginning 8 a.m., Saturday, Eric Nichols, KL7AJ, Analog Adventures July 9 at The Elks Lodge Field, 120 Edgewood Avenue. Contact: Scott Miller, NQ2F, (516) 658-5120. Email: <nq2f@opton- Ron Ochu, KOØZ,Learning Curve line.net>. Website: <http://hamradioexamsny.yolasite.com>. VE exams, DXCC card checking. TEXAS CITY, TEXAS — The Tidelands Amateur Radio Society will hold the Texas City Tidelands Hamfest 2022 from 8 a.m. Jack Purdum, W8TEE,Microcontrollers to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at the Charles T. Doyle Convention Center, 2010 5thAvenue North. Email: <[email protected]>. Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, Mobile/Radio Magic Website: <www.tidelands.org>. Talk-in 147.14 (PL 167.9) or 442.025 (PL 103.5). VE exams, T-hunt. Scott Rought, KA8SMA, QRP FERNDALE, MICHIGAN — The Flying Beers International will hold the Flying Beers International Swap Meet IIIfrom 9 a.m. Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, Digital to 2 p.m., Sunday, July 10 at the Ferndale FOP, 2233 Burdette Street. Website: <www.facebook.com/flyingbeersinternational>. Talk-in 442.600+ (PL 123). VE exams, Bob Schenck, N2OO, DX SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA — The Somerset County Amateur Radio Club will hold the Somerset County PA Hamfestfrom Tim Shoppa, N3QE, Contesting 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, July 10 at the Somerset County Technical Center, 281 Technology Drive. Contact: Stew, AK3J, (814) Jason Togyer, W3MCK,Spurious Signals 444-0637. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http://k3smt.org/hamfest>. Talk-in 147.195+ (PL 123) or 443.250+ (PL 123). VE exams. Gordon West, WB6NOA, Short Circuits ALEXANDER, NEW YORK — The Lancaster Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the Batavia Hamfestbeginning 6 a.m., Saturday, Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, The Ham Notebook July 16 at the Alexander Firemen Grounds, 10708 Alexander Road (Rt. 88). Contact: Luke, M2GDU, <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w2so.org>. Talk-in 147.285 (PL 141.3). ATHENS, TENNESSEE — The McMinn County Amateur Radio Clubwill hold its 18thAnnual MCARC Hamfestbeginning 7 AWARD MANAGEMENT a.m., Saturday, July 16 at the McMinn County Expo Center, Athens Regional Park on Decatur Pike. Phone:(423) 368-1473. Brian Bird, NXØX,USA-CA Custodian Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.mcminnarc.com>. Talk-in 146.060- (PL 141.3) VE exams. Steve Bolia, N8BJQ, WPX Award CARY, NORTH CAROLINA — The Cary Amateur Radio Club will hold its49thAnnual Swapfestfrom 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at the Harold Ritter Park, 301 West Lochmere Drive. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <https://caryarc.org>. Jose Castillo, N4BAA,WAZ Award ELYRIA, OHIO — The Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Societywill hold NOARSfest 2022from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July Keith Gilbertson, KØKG,CQ DX Award 16 at the Lorain County Community College-John A. Spitzer Conference Center, 1005N. Abbe Road. Contact: Carl Rimmer, W8KRF, (216) 256-9624 (before 9 p.m.). Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.noars.net>. Talk-in 146.70- (PL 110.9). CONTEST MANAGEMENT VE exams. KANAI, ALASKA — The Moosehorn Amateur Radio Club will hold the 14thAnnual Kennai Peninsula Hamfestfrom 10 a.m. to Andy Blank, N2NT, CQ 160 Meter Contest 4 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at the Kenai American Legion Hall, 902 Cook Avenue. Contact Ed Cole, KL7UW, (907) 776-5829. Email: John Dorr, K1AR, CQWW DX Contest <[email protected]>. Website: <www.kl7uw.com>. Talk-in 146.88-. JK Kalenowsky, K9JK,CQ VHF Contest MONUMENT, COLORADO — The Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association will hold the PPRAA Ham Radio Megafestfrom 8 Ed Muns, WØYK, CQRTTY Contests a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday July 16 at the Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <https://ppraa.org>. Talk-in 146.235+. VE exams. John Sweeney, K9EL, CQDX Marathon NORTH BEND, NEBRASKA — The Pioneer Amateur Radio Club will hold its 24thAnnual Flea Marketfrom 8 a.m. to 12:30 Joseph “Bud” Trench, AA3B, CQWW WPX Contest p.m., Saturday, July 16 at the North Bend City Auditorium, 741 North Main Street. Contact: Rich Mehaffey, KBØARZ, (402) 652- 3410. Email: <[email protected]>. Talk-in 146.67- or 443.900+. VE exams, DXCC card checking. BUSINESS STAFF WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI — The Warrensburg Area Amateur Radio Club will hold the Warrensburg Hamfest 2022 from Richard A. Ross, K2MGA, Publisher 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 16 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 144 NW 361stStreet. Contact: Kristl Thompson, KR1STL, <[email protected]>. Website: <www.waarci.org>. Talk-in 146.88- (PL 107.2). Dorothy Kehwieder, Associate Publisher, AUGUSTA, NEW JERSEY — The Sussex County Amateur Radio Club will hold the 43rdAnnual SCARC Hamfestbeginning Advertising at 8 a.m., Sunday, July 17 at the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road. Contact: Brian Brunsch, Richard S. Moseson, W2VU, Associate Publisher, KC2YON, (973) 862-8197. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.scarcnj.org>. Talk-in 147.30+ (PL 151.4). VE exams. Editorial PEOTONE, ILLINOIS — The Kankakee Area Radio Societywill hold KARSFEST 2022beginning 8 a.m., Sunday, July 17 at Emily Leary, Sales Coordinator the Will County Fairgrounds, 710 S. West Street. Contact: Art Reis, K9XI, (815) 348-7752. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w9az.com>. VE exams, card checking. WASHINGTON, MISSOURI — The Zero Beaters Amateur Radio Club will hold the 60thAnnual ZBARC Hamfestfrom 7 a.m. CIRCULATION STAFF to noon, Sunday, July 17 at the KC Hall, 1121 Columbus Lane. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.zer- Cheryl DiLorenzo, Customer Service Manager obeaters.org>. Talk-in 147.24+ VE exams. LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN — The Central States VHF Societywill hold the 54thAnnual CSVHFS Conferencefrom Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 at the Raddison Hotel La Crosse, 200 Harbor View Plaza. Email: <[email protected]>. PRODUCTION STAFF Website: <http://2022.csvhfs.org>. Elizabeth Ryan,Art Director WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — The Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society will hold its Hamfestbeginning8 a.m., Dorothy Kehrwieder, Production Director Saturday, July 23 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Road. Website: <www.wcars-club.org>. Talk-in 146.910- Emily Leary,Production Manager, Illustrator (PL 91.5 or 147.390+ (PL 94.8). VE exams. CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — The Cumberland Valley Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the CVARC Hamfest 2022 from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 30 at the Cumberland Valley Engine & Machinery Association Show Grounds, 1501 Criders Church Road. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w3ach.org>. Talk-in 147.120+ (PL 100). VE exams. A publication of SUTTON, WEST VIRGINIA — The West Virginia State Amateur Radio Council will hold the 64thAnnual ARRL West Virginia CQ Communications State Amateur Radio ConventiononSaturday, July 30 at the Days Inn and Conference Center, 350 Days Drive. Contact: Ed Messenger, N8OYY, (304) 517-9715. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.qsl.net/wvarc>. Talk-in 145.29 (PL 91.5). VE 45 Dolphin Lane exams, Wouff-Hong. Northport, NY, 11768 USA. LEBANON, TENNESSEE — The Wilson Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the Greater Nashville HamQuestfrom 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 30 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, 935 E. Baddour Parkway. Contact: Bill Uthoff, KK4WU, (615) 210- CQ Amateur Radio (ISSN 0007-893X) Volume 78, No. 7, 5581. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.midtnhamquest.com>.Talk-in 147.105+ (PL 156.7). VE exams. Published monthly by CQ Communications, Inc., 45 Dolphin WINCHESTER, INDIANA — The East Central Indiana Hamfest 2022will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 30 Lane, Northport, NY, 11768, Telephone 516-681-2922. E-mail: at the Randolph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1885 U.S. Highway 27. Phone: (765) 400-0232. Email: <[email protected]>. [email protected]. Fax 516-681-2926. Web site: Website: <http://INhamfest.com>. Talk-in 147.300+ (PL 110.9). VE exams. www.cq-amateur-radio.com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Northport, NY 11768 and at additional mailing offices. Sub- AUGUST scription prices (all in U.S. dollars): Domestic-one year $42.95, two years $77.95, three years $111.95; Canada/Mexico-one CENTRAL CITY, IOWA — The Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club will hold the Fifth Annual Midwest Techfestand 2022 ARRL year $57.95, two years $107.95, three years $156.95: Foreign Iowa State Conventionfrom 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 6 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 7 at the Linn County Air Post-one year $72.95, two years $137.95, three years Fairgrounds, 201 Central City Road. Contact: David Cripe<[email protected]>. Website: <http://w0gq.org/hamfest>. Talk-in 146.745- $201.95. Single copy $6.99. U.S. Government Agencies: Sub- (PL 192.8). VE exams, scriptions to CQ are available to agencies of the United States ELKHART, INDIANA — The 2022 Elkhart East Hamfest will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 6 at the Northern government including military services, only on a cash with Indiana Event Center, 21565 Executive Parkway. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.elkharteastham- order basis. Requests for quotations, bids, contracts., etc. will fest.com>. Talk-in 145.430 (PL 141.3). VE exams. be refused and will not be returned or processed. Entire con- GROVE CITY, OHIO — The Aladdin Shrine Audio Unit will hold the 2022 Columbus Hamfestfrom 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, tents copyrighted 2022 by CQ Communications, Inc. CQ does August 6 at the Aladdin Shrine Center, 1801 Gateway Circle. Website: <www.columbushamfest.com>. Talk-in 146.760 (PL 123). not assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Allow six ROANOKE, VIRGINIA — The Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Clubwill hold its Hamfestfrom 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, weeks for change of address. August 6 at the Colonia Avenue Baptist Church, 4165 Colonial Avenue. Contact: John, W4AZT, <[email protected]>orDarrell, KI4LLA<[email protected]>. Website: <https://roanolehamfest.info>. Talk-in 146.985- (PL 107.2). VE exams. Printed in the U.S.A. TRUMANSBURG, NEW YORK — The Tompkins County Amateur Radio Association will hold the Ithaca Hamfestfrom 7 a.m. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: to noon, Saturday, August 6 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds on NYS 96. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http:// CQ Amateur Radio, P.O. Box 1206, Sayville, NY, 11782 tcara-ny.org/hamfest>. 4 •• CQ • July 2022 Visit Our Web Site our readers say... BERRYVILLE, VIRGINIA — The Shenendoah Valley Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the 71stt Annual Berryville Hamfestbeginning8 a.m., Sunday, August 7 at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, 890 W. Main Street. Contact: Mick W8BE, <vendor-coordinator@berryville hamfest.com>. Website: <www.berryvillehamfest.com>. VE exams. PEOTONE, ILLINOIS — The Hamfesters Radio Clubwill hold its 87thAnnual Hamfestbegin- More Feedback on CQ’s Contest Policy ning 8 a.m., Sunday, August 7 at theWill County Fairgrounds, 710 S. West Street. Contact: Don Pointer, KC9EQQ, (773) 426-1936. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http://ham- Regarding Russia and Ukraine festers.org>. Talk-in 442.450+ (PL 114.8). VE exams. EVANSVILLE, INDIANA — The Tri-State Amateur Radio Society will air special station Editor, CQ: W9OG/75from 1400 UTC, Friday, August 12 through 2359 UTC, Sunday, August 14 to honor I wanted to say how much I appreciate your article in CQApril its 75thAnniversary. Frequencies include 7.262, 7.045, 14,250 MHz and the FT8 band on the 20-and 40-meter band. QSL a SASE to WA2USA, 5577 Victoria Court, Newburgh, IN 47630. 2022. I generally stick with the rules of “no religion”and “no pol- Contact: Dennis Martin, WA2USA, (812) 598-8333. Email: <[email protected]>. itics” on ham radio; however, being a student of history and AUBURN, INDIANA — The Northeastern Indiana Amateur Radio Associationwill hold the especially WWII geopolitical & military tactics, I, too, must step Auburn Hamfestfrom 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 13 at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, 1600 S. Wayne Street. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http://w9ou.org>. Talk-in up and support the Ukrainian people and condemn Russian 147.015 (PL 141.3) political / warfare tactics in use. I believe if the world had stood CARLINVILLE, ILLINOIS — The West Central Illinois Hamfest will be held from 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 13 at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, 21149 IL Route 4. Contact: against this exact type of behavior Germany was using against Jim Pitchford, N9LQF, (217) 670-5777. Email: <[email protected]> or neighboring countries, perhaps the magnitude of war might <[email protected]>. Website: <http://wcilhamfest.com>. Talk-in 444.250 (PL 103.5). VE exams, card checking. have been avoided. Please help keep us informed. FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — The Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society will hold its Thank you most sincerely, 23rd Annual Ole Fashioned SwapFest from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 13 at the Cumberland County Shrine Club, 7040 Ramsey Street. Contact: David, KI4W, (910) 624-1394. – Will Allen Peden, Jr., KE5OYL Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <www.cfarsnc.com>. Talk-in 146.910- (PL 100). VE exams. Plus, the Return of Print... FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA — The Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Clubwill hold the Fort Pierce Hamfestfrom 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 13 at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Editor, CQ: Complex 4600 Kirby Loop Road. Website: <www.fparc.org>. Talk-in 147.345 (PL 107.2). VE What a joy to receive at last a copy of my favorite, CQ. exams, DXCC card checking. OWENSVILLE, OHIO — The Cincinnati Hamfest will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, What an even greater joy to read your well-thought-out policy August 13 at the Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust Street. Email: <info@cincinnati- on the war in Ukraine! These are difficult times and it is encour- hamfest.org>. Website: <www.cincinnatihamfest.org>. Talk-in 147.345+ (PL 123). VE exams, aging to know there are people who are doing what they can. RACINE, WISCONSIN — The Racine Mega Cycle Club will hold its Free Fest 2022from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 13 at the Greater Racine Kennel Club, 6320 Six Mile Road. Contact: – 73, David Haines, KC1DNY Dan Miller <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w9udu.org>.Talk-in 147.270+ (PL 127.3). O’FALLON, MISSOURI — The St. Charles Amateur Radio Clubwill hold its Hamfest from 7 Editor, CQ: a.m. to noon, Sunday, August 14 at the Elks Lodge, 1163 Tom Ginnever Avenue. Contact: Doug Wheeler, KØHKK, (314) 660-0674. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: Ahhhhhh, it’s great to be able to turn a paper page again to <www.wb0hsi.org>. Talk-in 146.670 or 145.330. read a good magazine! PHOENIXVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA — The Mid-Atlantic Amateur Radio Club will hold the Valley Forge Hamfestbeginning 8 a.m., Sunday, August 14 at the Kimberton Fire Company Good decision to limit our Russian “friends’” contest scoring. Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Spring Road (Rt. 113). Contact Bob Palin, N3JIZ, (610) 420-1535. Email: When the Ukrainian hams can enter contests again maybe it <[email protected]>. Website: <www.marc-radio.org>. Talk-in 145.30- (PL 131.8) or 147.060+ (PL 131.8). VE exams, DXCC / WAS card checking. will be time to let the Russians have a go at it. HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA — The Huntsville Hamfest andthe2022 ARRL SoutheastDivision – 73, R.L. Davidson, W4IA Convention will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, August 20 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 21 at the Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe Street SW. Website: <www.hamfest.org>. Talk-in 146.94 (PL 100). VE exams, DXCC card checking, And Professor Heisseluft Snags Another ADAMS, MASSACHUSSETS — The Northern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club will hold its Reader… Hamfestbeginning 7 a.m., Sunday, August 21 at Bowe Field (Adams Agricultural Fair Grounds on Route 8. Contact Eric (413) 743-9975. Website: <www.nobarc.org>. Talk-in 146.91 IPL Editor, CQ: 162.2). VE exams MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSSETS — FEMARA Inc. will hold The Northeast HamX- Regarding the article — “Slow Website Speeds Cause position 2022and the 2022 ARRL New England & Hudson Divisions Conventionwill be held Spectrum Rage” — April 2022: from Friday,August 26through Sunday August 28 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & I found your two-page article on Spectrum Rage a bit sim- Trade Center,181 Boston Post Road W.Website: <www.hamxposition.org>. Talk-in 147.270+ (PL 146.2), 223.940-(PL 103.5), or 449.925- (PL 88.5). VE exams, special event station, DXCC plistic and bordering on nonsensical. card checking, fox hunt. The current problem of foul mouth rage alcoholics on the radio BARABOO, WISCONSIN — The Yellow Thunder Amateur Radio Club will hold the Circus City Swapfestfrom 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 27 at the Badger Steam & Gas Engine can be traced to a simple source:The FCC. Since there seems show grounds, E3347 Sand Road. Contact: Tom Harrison, N9PQJ, (608) 963-0762. Email: to be little to no enforcement of civility on the bands by the FCC, <[email protected]>. Website: <www.yellowthunder.org>. VE exams DAVENPORT, IOWA — The Davenport Radio Amateur Clubwill hold the 51stAnnual WØBXR the problems will just grow worse and worse. The constant and Hamfest / Computer Show beginning 8 a.m., Saturday, August 27 at theIowa Army National same operators that cuss, scream, operate drunk, and a vari- Guard, 5300 West Kimberly Road. Contact Kelly Lovely, W1HAM, (563) 321-7559. Email: ety of venting other foul language are everpresent on the same <[email protected]>. Website: <www.arcsupport.com>. Talk-in 146.28+ (PL 77) or 146.10+ (PL 77). frequencies day after day, and they fear no punishment. All at LEBANON, TENNESSEE — The Short Mountain Repeater Clubwill hold the 2022 SMRC 1,500 watts, or more. Cedars of Lebanon Hamfestbeginning 8 a.m., Saturday, August 27 at the Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 5070 Murfreesboro Road. Website: <http://smrclub.com>. Talk-in 146.910-. With the technology available today, finding these people would MACEDON, NEW YORK — The Roc City Net will hold its 4thAnnual Roc City Net Hamfestt be rather simple. Until the FCC knocks on their doors, seizes beginning 7 a.m., Saturday, August 27 at the Log Cabin Restaurant, 2445 W. Walworth Road. their equipment, and fines them dollar amounts in the six-digit Website: <roccitynethamfest.com>. Talk-in 145.11 (PL 110.9). NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS — The Society of Midwest Contesters will hold the SMC Fest 2022 range, it will not stop. The FCC has all but stopped enforcement Saturday, August 27at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, 1801 North Naper Boulevard. Website: <http://w9smc.com>. Friday, August 26thBanquet. of the rules we all should live by. An occasional fine for an oper- BRIGHTON, COLORADO — The Denver Radio Clubwill hold its Hamfestfrom 9 a.m. to 1 ator that has repeatedly caused interference will do nothing to p.m., Sunday, August 28 at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road. Contact discourage the problem. I am afraid the HF bands are quickly Cathy Villhauer <[email protected]>. Website: <www.w0tx.org>. Talk-in 145.490 (PL 100) or 448.625 (PL 100). VE exams. heading toward what became of the CB radios. Soon, they will CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN — The Chippewa Valley Amateur Radio Clubwill hold its be unusable by decent people. 2022 Hamfest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, August 28 at the Northern Wisconsin State Only expensive seizures of equipment, followed up by very Fairgrounds, 225 Edward Street. Email: <[email protected]>. Website: <http://w9cva.org>. Talk-in 147.375+ (PL 110.9). VE exams. high fines, will the problem slow down. Repeated violators that get back on the air should then be jailed. SEPTEMBER It has gotten to the point that I would not want my children on SHELBY, NORTH CAROLINA — The Shelby Amateur Radio Club will hold the Shelby 2022 any on the HAM bands. Any parent that wanted to encourage Hamfestand the 2022 ARRL North Carolina Section Conventionfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, September 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, September 3 at the Cleveland their child to get into ham radio will no longer try due to the foul County Fairgrounds, 1751 E. Marion Street. Phone: (980) 295-5151. Email: <chairman@shel- language that is on the air night after night. byhamfest.org>. Website: <www.shelbyhamfest.com>. Talk-in 146.880-. VE exams. FINDLAY, OHIO— TheFindlay Radio Clubwill hold its80thAnnual Hamfestfrom 8 a.m. to People like this only understand one kind of punishment. 2 p.m., Sunday, September 11 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 East Sandusky Street. EXPENSIVE. Total seizure of all their equipment and high fines Email: <[email protected]>. Website <www.FindlayRadioClub.org/hamfest>. are possible under current rules. The FCC is just not interest- Talk-in: 147.150+ (PL 88.5). LOCKPORT, NEW YORK — The Lancaster Amateur Radio Club will hold the Lancasterr ed in pursuing it. Hamfestbeginning 7 a.m., Saturday, September 10 at the Transit Drive In, 6655 S. Transit Road. – T. Andrew McCluskey, N4MCC Website: <www.w2so.org>. Talk-in 147.255 (PL 107.2). www.cq-amateur-radio.com July 22022 • CQ • 5 zero bias: a cq editorial BY RICH MOSESON,* W2VU Make This a Summer of DX Discovery Several of our columns this month focus on HF “new- All hams have voice privilegeson the 10-meter bies,” hams who are just getting started on the short- DXing segment between 28300 and 28500 kHz. wave bands. Prime among them is N2OO’s DX col- You can increase your DXing potential by learning umn, a “DX Chasing Guide for Novice and Technician Morse code and using the CW subbands —again Licensees.”(Yes, believe it or not, there are still Novices out open to all hams—on 80, 40,and 15 meters. there!) Following the same theme, “Learning Curve” editor KOØZ writes about the basics of trap antennas, which are frequently the first “commercial” antenna many hams try, after a dipole; and WB6NOA dissects a trap and shares an which offers something for anyone with virtually any tech- innovative mounting method for a multiband vertical in his nical or communication interest. “Gordo’s Short Circuits” column. Not so coincidentally, that is also the theme of KL7AJ’s new I thought about calling this month’s issue an “HF Newbie book, Playing with Meteors.No, it isn’t a guide to meteor Mini-Special,” but then I realized it ain’t just newbies. Solar scatter communications (although that wouldn’t be a bad Cycle 25 is rising at a delightfully fast rate, so far following a idea); it’s about all the varied technical paths you can follow course predicted by a “maverick” solar physicist who thinks in ham radio, and vice versa — how ham radio can help you we’re in for a really super cycle. And Cycle 24 was so weak follow any number of technical career paths. The title is bor- that anyone who has come into ham radio in the past decade rowed from my son, Dan, KC2OOM, who once explained to (that would be roughly 300,000 of you) has never had the a skeptic asking why young people today would possibly be opportunity to enjoy a really good sunspot cycle. So articles interested in amateur radio that no other hobby “lets you play on the basics of DX and DXing aren’t just for the newcomer with meteors.” So if you know someone who loves technol- to HF. They’re useful for nearly half our population. ogy, but doesn’t yet know that he or she needs to be a ham, If you have a General or Extra Class license, you have get this book as a gift! fantastic opportunities for DXing on all of our HF bands. But N2OO is reminding those of us with a Tech or Novice license Award Changes that you don’t need to upgrade in order to reap the benefits CQ’s award program is taking another step into the 21stcen- of a hot solar cycle. All hams have voice privileges on the tury while addressing some significant issues at the same 10-meter DXing segment between 28300 and 28500 kHz. time. As detailed in this month’s “Awards” column on page You can increase your DXing potential by learning Morse 79, as of September 1st, we will begin phasing out hand-let- code and using the CW subbands —again open to all hams tered parchment certificates as the “standard” certificate for — on 80, 40, and 15 meters. And 6 meters is expected to CQ awards. They will continue to be available, but as an be super this summer. So, even if you’ve been a ham for a added-cost option. decade but your shortwave success has been limited or non- Going forward, the “standard” CQ award certificate will be existent, now is the time to start a summer of DX discovery a high-resolution PDF file — suitable for printing and fram- on HF. And we’ve got the help to get you started, right in ing —emailed to the recipient at the same time as the award this issue. letter (already done for WPX recipients; coming soon for WAZ, with CQ DX and USA-CA to follow later). This will elim- Ham Eclectic inate the wait times that have been so frustrating for many If DXing isn’t high on your priority list, don’t worry. The rest award recipients (Thankfully, we are making great progress of this issue is an illustration of the incredible breadth and on eliminating the backlog). With ongoing supply-chain variety of amateur radio. We take you to Ohio for the in- issues affecting the availability of parchment paper and flat person return of the Dayton Hamvention® and to Ecuador cardboard mailers, along with constantly escalating costs, for a look at ham radio’s response to a massive earthquake this is our only option at this point. Certificates already “in the there a few years back (as yet another big quake shook the pipeline” as of September 1st will be processed without region as we were preparing this issue). We look at really imposing the added fee. Again, please see the Awards col- “green” power by using fruits and vegetables to power up umn on page 79 for details. a very low power (QRPp) transceiver. (Yes, this really is a Improved DX conditions will help make it easier to earn “thing.” A few years back, I was sharing a table at a mini- these awards in the first place, so if you’re new to ham radio, Maker Faire with a display of power-producing produce!) new to HF, or new to Cycle 25 (that would be just about all And our columnists delve into the return of high-speed pack- of us), take advantage of the best “solar weather”we’ve had et, getting more hams onto the microwave bands and more. since the early ’00s — with great promise to get even bet- There really is no end to the different aspects of our hobby, ter — get yourself on the air and make this a summer of DX discovery! May the sunspots be with you… *Email: <[email protected]> – 73, Rich, W2VU 6 • CQ • July 2022 Visit Our Web Site news bytes Thinking of Buying an EV? Watch Out for QRM I f high gas prices and/or environmental concerns have you writes, do work hard to mitigate EMI while others take the considering the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV), easier path of leaving out the AM radio. here’s one more consideration to include in your decision- Takeaway for hams who operate HF mobile and are con- making: Will you be able to operate a mobile HF ham rig with- sidering an EV purchase: Do your homework. Find out the out debilitating interference from the car itself? Radio World steps taken by the manufacturer of each vehicle you’re con- magazine reports that the subject of electromagnetic inter- sidering to control EMI within the vehicle. Step 1: Does the ference (EMI) from EVs was a forum topic at June’s confer- car include an AM radio? ence of the Audio Engineering Society. RWreports that interference to analog AM signals is so bad in some vehicles that the manufacturers are not includ- ing AM radios with their cars, opting only for FM and digital, both of which are more resistant to electrical noise. Such noise would likely be broadbanded enough to seriously degrade analog SSB and CW signals on the HF bands as well. VHF/UHF FM is less likely to be affected. Apparently, not all EVs are created equal in this regard. One of the AES forum speakers on the subject was Xperi Corp. communications system engineer Pooja Nair, who wrote in a previous RW commentary <https://tinyurl.com/ yckay4fk> that “EMI can be suppressed in EVs using well- known mitigation techniques such as shielding cables and electric motors, installing filters and carefully locating elec- trical components within the vehicle. Within receivers, EMI can be limited by isolating and shielding antenna and RF Are EVs sources of rolling RFI? It all depends on the man- sections, filtering connections and carefully grounding and ufacturer, says one expert. (Photo by Mariordo, via Wiki- placing receiver components.” Some manufacturers, Nair media Commons) wwww.cq-amateur-radio.com July 2022 • CQ • 7 After two cancellations due to Covid-19, the Dayton Hamvention® was finally back in person this year. While CQ decided to wait another year before braving the unmasked crowds at an indoor booth, Kit-Building Editor Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB, was one of several CQ columnists, contest directors,and award managers who “waved the flag”for us at the show. Joe shares his observations —and a bunch of photos —with us here. Hamvention 2022 “The Reunion” PHOTO ESSAY BY JOE EISENBERG,* KØNEB Putting in my time as Net Control at W8BI on Thursday for the talk-in without my signature hat. (The headphones wouldn’t let it stay in place!) I made it! My first time driving to Hamvention since 2009. market vendors to the correct entrance. The question Surprisingly, the plug-in hybrid Prius Prime did not have a remains, will I get invited to help the talk-in again? significant noise problem on HF, compared to my previous Prius hybrid cars which had 20 over 9 noise levels from the As Always … The Weather! high-voltage power inverters. Heavy to moderate rain persisted from late Thursday night until just about gate opening time at 9 a.m. on Friday, giv- ing way to near-record heat approaching 90° once the A fter a long three years since the last Hamvention® was clouds cleared. The heat persisted until later on Saturday held, it was great to see everyone there. It was won- afternoon, around 4 p.m., when dark clouds once again derful to wander the largest ham radio flea market and gathered and lightning and thunder permeated the Greene convention in the world once again. Lots of planning by the County Fairgrounds. The amazing thing was that, despite hard-working Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) the heavy rains just before opening and late on Saturday, Hamvention committees and volunteers made for another the grass parking areas remained usable although wet, and successful show. I even volunteered to put in my first-ever, no tow trucks were needed to pull out vehicles stuck in mud. four-hour shift as Net Control and alternating as assistant Many attendees chose to take advantage of the paved park- NCS of the talk-in on the W8BI 146.34/.94 repeater under ing at the three remote parking sites along with their free the watchful eye of the talk-in chair, Elizabeth Klinc, KE8FMJ. shuttle buses. With a laptop full of resources nearby, it was easy to guide The flea market also benefitted from improvements made those on their way as well as answer questions, such as after the muddy first year, including drainage improvements where to go to get inside exhibitor credentials and get flea and the use of ground asphalt recovered from local street improvements packed down and rolled to form the aisles that make up the flea market. The food was great again, and the * Contributing Editor, CQ lines for food were shorter than in the past. With fewer inside Email: <[email protected]> exhibitors this year, there were also no tents set up to accom- 8 • CQ • July 2022 Visit Our Web Site