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FCC Initiates Broad Inquiry on Rules to Delete or Amend |
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In a Public Notice titled “In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete,” issued on March 12, 2025, the FCC is soliciting public input on any FCC rules in any service that members of the public believe should be deleted or modified “for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.” This is the latest in a series of similar proceedings going back to 1996, when the Communications Act was amended to require the FCC to periodically review its rules.
ARRL, through its Executive Committee and FCC Counsel, is conducting a review of the provisions in Part 97 and other related rules that apply to radio amateurs. ARRL is also soliciting feedback from its members. Rules identified as outmoded, obsolete, or that for other reasons should be repealed or modified, will be included in ARRL’s filing to be submitted no later than the FCC deadline of April 11, 2025. The deadline for filing reply comments is April 28, 2025.
It is expected that the Commission will incorporate suggestions that it decides worthy of its consideration in a future Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that could be issued later this year. There will then be an opportunity for public comment on the specific rules that the Commission proposes for deletion or modification.
A PDF of the FCC Public Notice is available here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-219A1.pdf.
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Ham Radio, Students and Scientists at the 2025 HamSCI Workshop |
| By: Rich Moseson, W2VU
Some 175 scientists, students, professors, and amateur radio operators from around the world gathered in person and virtually on March 14 and 15 to share research, educate each other, and network at the annual HamSCI Workshop. HamSCI, the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation program, aims to promote collaboration between science, amateur radio, and education. The 2025 workshop was hosted this year by the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. The program featured 30 talks and two dozen poster presentations, many focused on the HamSCI community’s research activities during the 2023 annular and 2024 total solar eclipses and its ongoing programs to involve amateur radio operators in collecting data for research on space weather and its impact on the ionosphere.
See a short video of the workshop’s poster session on ARRL’s YouTube channel.
“I believe the workshop went very well,” said HamSCI Lead Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, a professor at the University of Scranton. “There were many stimulating presentations and discussions, and the workshop did an excellent job bringing together amateurs, students, and scientists from near and far.”
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| Graph of solar eclipse propagation data gathered by participants in HamSCI’s solar eclipse activity last year. [Graph by Dr. Kristina Collins, KD8OXT] |
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Among the presenters was Space Science Institute researcher Dr. Kristina Collins, KD8OXT, the 2025 recipient of the Dayton Hamvention® Technical Achievement Award. Collins demonstrated how interactive data visualization software can be used as a platform for HamSCI work, including visualization of data amassed from the Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) project. Owen Ruzanski, KD3ALD, an undergraduate at The University of Scranton, co-authored, “Development of a Contesting and DXing Dashboard for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station.” Citizen scientist Mindy Hull, MD, KM1NDY, researched the “Effect of near total solar eclipse on radio propagation of HF, Weak-Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) transmissions.”
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| The 2025 HamSCI Workshop at NJIT was filled with two days of oral sessions, poster presentations, and networking. [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo] |
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ARRL was well-represented at the conference, with a team led by Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R — who was also the keynote speaker at the Friday night banquet — and Hudson Division Director Ed Wilson, N2XDD. Inderbitzen focused his remarks on amateur radio’s unique status as a technological “sandbox” for exploring and developing new communication technologies. He also highlighted ARRL’s commitment to growing the Amateur Radio Service through programs like the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology which prepares schoolteachers and college professors to develop student interest and skills in radio communications and technology.
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| ARRL Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R (L), receives a plaque from HamSCI Lead Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, following his keynote address at the 2025 HamSCI Workshop. [Rich Moseson, W2VU, photo] |
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“Last year, the ARRL Board of Directors established a road map for a bold, new strategic direction,” said Inderbitzen in his address. “For 110 years, you might sum up the organization’s purpose as promoting and protecting amateur radio. But last year, ARRL’s mission was expanded … to develop the next generation of radio amateurs. And to be even more deliberate, a new advocacy was established: to inspire youth.” Inderbitzen also led a meeting of the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program at the end of the workshop. |
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| Bob Inderbitzen, operating as PJ4/NQ1R in Bonaire while attending the 2025 HamSCI Workshop in Newark, NJ. [Rich Moseson, W2VU, photo] |
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While eating breakfast last Saturday morning at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, ARRL staff member Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, was also on the air from Bonaire, remotely working a pileup from a station he visits often on the island. Physically in Newark, New Jersey, for the annual HamSCI Workshop, Bob had his Wi-Fi-connected laptop on the table in front of him, controlling the station in Bonaire as PJ4/NQ1R, and responding to FT8 calls in between bites of breakfast! Increasingly popular remote operating will be the focus of an upcoming special edition of the National Contest Journal.
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76th International DX Convention April 11 – 13 in Visalia, CA |
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Join DX enthusiasts from around the world as they gather for the 76th International DX Convention in Visalia, California. The popular event runs April 11 – 13, 2025. This ARRL convention will feature several days of exciting programming, forums, and seminars. It is sponsored by the Northern California DX Club.
On Friday, April 11, a full-day track of the Next Generation DXing Program will feature the latest in how DXpedition leaders are planning missions, using innovative technologies like Radio In a Box (RIB), providing data links in extreme and remote conditions, and building teams to deliver incredible numbers of contacts with hams around the world.
ARRL representatives will be on hand for the event, and to document some of the seminars on video for the ARRLHQ YouTube channel and the ARRL Learning Center. ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director Ned Stearns, AA7A, is among the co-chairs who have organized the convention. There will be on-site DXCC card checking. An exhibit hall will let attendees visit with manufacturers and retailers of amateur radio gear. Other exciting learning opportunities include a Contest Academy and DX Academy.
More information about the event, including registration and accommodations, can be found at www.dxconvention.com. Preregistration rates are valid until April 3, 2025.
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ARRL Ham Radio Open House Continues to Grow |
| Dozens of amateur radio clubs have made plans to host an ARRL Ham Radio Open House in April. The nationwide event is centered around World Amateur Radio Day on April 18. 2025 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).
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While we’ve been using radio for well over 100 years, amateur radio operators continue to be on the cutting edge of innovation in electrical engineering. Modern weak signal modes, digital modulation schemes, and software defined radios show that ham radio is a vibrant and modern hobby. For many students, it also provides a pathway toward being the technology innovators of the future.
ARRL Ham Radio Open House is a time to show our communities how modern and innovative amateur radio is, and to welcome them to be a part of it. ARRL, HamSCI, and SciStarter are encouraging clubs to have visitors to their sites participate in hands-on activities that can count toward the nationwide goal of documenting 1 million acts of science in April – which is Citizen Science Month.
The ARRL Public Relations Committee held a live webinar on March 19 to help clubs form and promote their ARRL Ham Radio Open House. A recording of the event can be seen on the ARRLHQ YouTube channel.
The publicity kit is also available at this link. Find an open house (or list yours) at www.arrl.org/open-house. Learn more at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day.
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Amateur Radio in the News |
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On the Air
Sponsored by Icom
Have a Ham Radio Open House in April
World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) is April 18 every year, and in 2025, WARD is extra special. ARRL invites radio clubs and schools to organize a Ham Radio Open House in April, to highlight the Amateur Radio Service for its development and practice of the latest radio communications and technology, and as a hands-on pathway into STEM fields for the next generation. ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX, and Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering at the University of Scranton, Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, join the On the Air podcast to talk about what a Ham Radio Open House might include, and how your club or group can start organizing one.
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ARRL Audio News
Listen to ARRL Audio News, 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.
The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts.
On the Air | ARRL Audio News
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| The Great Falls Masonic Amateur Radio Club (GFMARC), KK7MR, in Great Falls, Montana, received a grant from the ARRL Foundation to purchase five library book kits to give to local and rural libraries in Montana. The library book kits contain 11 books dealing with amateur radio and testing guides for all three license classes. Two kits were given to the Great Falls Public Library for their shelves and bookmobile. One kit each was given to the Wedsworth Memorial Library, the Fairfield Public Library, and the Arden G. Hill Memorial Library within the Malmstrom Air Force Base. All the libraries lacked information about amateur radio, and providing the books will allow patrons throughout Montana access to the information. With many libraries in Montana being rural, it is another way to reach more patrons, inspire a small community about becoming licensed to help with emergency communications within their community, or even help a farmer or rancher while out in their fields tending to crops or cattle touch base with their home station or contact emergency services. The ARRL library book kits will provide information and start them on their journey to becoming licensed amateur radio operators. The book kits are also available at ARRL Library Book Set www.arrl.org/library-book-set. Thanks to GFMARC Public Relations & Media Chair Char Ross, KK7KBM, for the information contained in this story.
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| In early April, amateur radio operators will have several opportunities to participate in Parks on the Air (POTA) events. The third annual Geogia Parks on the Air will be held April 5 – 6, 2025, hosted by the North Fulton Amateur Radio League (NFARL). Last year, 51 out of 52 parks were activated with over 400 hunters and nearly 12,000 QSOs. More information and updated rules are available at 2025 Georgia State Parks on the Air (POTA) – NFARL. On April 12 from 1300 to 2259 UTC (8:00 AM – 5:59 PM CDT), the Jackson County Amateur Radio Association in Mississippi will host the third annual Mississippi State Parks on the Air. Modes of operation include SSB, CW and FT8/4 or any other legal mode. Any ham radio band that is legal in POTA may be used. Also, VHF/UHF simplex on 2 meters and 70 centimeters is acceptable. Visit MSPOTA (Mississippi Parks On The Air) – Jackson County Amateur Radio Association for additional information. Finally, beginning Saturday, April 12: 8:00 AM CDT (1300 UTC) through Sunday, April 13: 7:59 PM CDT (12:59 UTC), the Lake Area Amateur Radio Klub in Colony, Texas, will activate Texas state parks in honor of member Tom King, WK5DX (SK). For rules and frequencies, go to TX State Parks on The Air – About.
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| This image was taken on March 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI] |
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ARRL Solar Report March 20, 2025
Solar activity reached moderate levels due to an isolated M1.5 flare on March 19.
Solar wind parameters were enhanced, possibly due to a combination of weak transient and Coronal Hole High Speed Streams (CH HSS) activity. Disturbances in the solar wind are anticipated through March 20, in response to persistent transient/HSS effects, as well as possible flanking influences of a nearby coronal mass ejection (CME) passage that departed the Sun on March 17. Solar wind parameters are expected to slowly diminish on March 21.
Solar Flux: March 20, 190; March 21, 195; March 22, 200; March 23, 195; March 24, 190; March 25, 180. There were two minor radio blackouts observed from March 11 – 14.
A chance for R1-R2 (minor to moderate) radio blackouts exists through March 23.
Predicted sunspot numbers for March are 132, with a high of 139, and a low of 132.
The Australian Space Weather Forecast Centre forecast for March 20 predicts solar activity to be R0-R1. The solar wind speed is expected to be high to moderate. G1-G2 geomagnetic conditions are expected. HF radio propagation conditions are expected to be mildly degraded.
For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read “What the Numbers Mean…,” and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
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- March 20 – 21 — Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
- March 20 — NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
- March 20 — NTC QSO Party (CW)
- March 22 – 23 — Africa All Mode International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)
- March 23 — North American SSB Sprint (phone)
- March 23 — UBA Spring Contest, 6m (CW, phone)
- March 26 — UKEICC 80m Contest (CW)
- March 27 — RSGB 80m Club Championship, SSB (phone)
- March 28 – 29 — Sasquatch Stomp (CW)
- March 29 – 30 — CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB (phone)
Remember to visit the ARRL Contest Calendar for more events and information.
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Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions |
- March 29 | Central Dakota Amateur Radio Club Hamfest, hosting the ARRL North Dakota State Convention, Bismarck, North Dakota
- April 5 | RARSfest, hosting the ARRL North Carolina State Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
- April 11 – 12 | Green Country Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
- April 25 – 27 | Big Bear HamEscape, hosting the ARRL Orange Section Convention, Big Bear Lake, California
- April 26 | Delmarva Amateur Radio and Electronics Expo, hosting the ARRL Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
- April 26 | Spokane Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley, Washington
- May 4 | Warminster Amateur Radio Club – Annual Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Bristol, Pennsylvania
- May 10 | Lincoln Amateur Radio Club, hosting the ARRL Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
- May 16 – 18 | Dayton Hamvention®, Xenia, Ohio
- May 30 – June 1 | SEA-PAC, hosting the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events in your area.
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The ARRL VEC has a License Class Certificate Program. These frame-worthy certificates measure 8-1/2 x 11 inches and are available only to holders of FCC-issued US Amateur Radio licenses granted in accordance with Part 97 of the FCC rules. Available for Technician, General, Advanced, or Extra class licensees, these certificates acknowledge the success of newly licensed operators as well as those who succeeded long ago.
For more information visit www.arrl.org/license-certificates.
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ARRL — Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information
Join ARRL or renew today! 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: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io 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. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprints, and QSO parties.
QEX — A Forum for Communications Experimenters. 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 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! Follow us on Threads, X, and Instagram. |
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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.
Copyright © 2025 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.
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