John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, Editor | October 23, 2025

• Pass The Bill Activity Continues
• Talking Up a Storm and Amateur Radio in Pennsylvania
• Amateur Radio Club Bootcamp a Success!
• Tropical Storm Melissa Update for Thursday October 23, 2025
• Amateur Radio in the News
• ARRL Live Events and Podcasts
• In Brief…
• Announcements
• The ARRL Solar Report
• Just Ahead in Radiosport
• Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

ARRL’s nationwide grassroots campaign aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant amateur radio operators the right to install antennas on their property has been active now for just over a month.

The campaign, announced in an ARRL Member Bulletin on September 17, 2025, follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act in February 2025. The bipartisan bills — H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate — are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

“This legislation is about restoring equal rights to licensed amateur radio operators,” said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. “These restrictions hinder not only the enjoyment of amateur radio, but also its vital role in emergency communication during disasters.”

To advance the legislation, ARRL is calling on its members and all licensees of the US Amateur Radio Service to take action by sending letters to their congressional representatives. That process has been made easy through a dedicated online tool hams can use to easily generate and submit pre-drafted letters with a few clicks.

Every letter matters and your representative and senators need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you. ARRL is also encouraging radio clubs to provide letters of support, and is urging each club officer to sign the letters. There are instructions for clubs on how to complete the letter and a sample letter for clubs (DOCX) that should be customized with their information.

All of the information to help pass the bill can be found at ARRL.org Current Legislation.

Famiglio was the guest of meteorologist Drew Anderson and the talk was all things amateur radio, including a little history, gadgets and even how amateur radio helps when the weather turns dangerous.

“I made sure viewers received a better ‘definition’ of amateur radio operators,” said Famiglio. “We’re not just sitting in the basement messing with knobs and gadgets… We are ready to help with communications when needed.” Famiglio also had a chance to talk about ARRL’s nationwide grassroots PASS THE BILL campaign, to pass the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act that was introduced in February 2025.

Also joining the conversation was Lou Ruh, WX3I, Skywarn Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator, storm chaser, and meteorologist.

Famiglio said a video of the show, which was also broadcast on one of Fox29’s digital on-air channels, would be available in a couple of weeks.

The bootcamp introduced Georgia Tech students to the fundamentals of amateur radio through interactive sessions on electronics, antennas, digital communication, and safety practices. Participants explored how radio connects science, engineering, and community service in an accessible and exciting way. Throughout the day, attendees took part in radio-themed Kahoot trivia challenges, talked with operators from local clubs, and learned how to continue their journey in amateur radio. The club also awarded 20 portable handheld radios to newly licensed students and winners of Kahoot trivia to help them get on the air right away.

“Our goal was to make radio approachable and engaging,” said club Vice President Matthew Lyon, KN4MXH. “We want every student who walks in curious to leave passionate, ready to explore and grow in this hobby.”

The highlight of the day was a free FCC Technician license testing session, coordinated by the Atlanta VE Team. Thanks to their dedication and smooth coordination, 44 students earned their amateur radio licenses, achieving an impressive 98 percent pass rate.

The success of the bootcamp has set the foundation for a large-scale student training and licensing program in future semesters. W4AQL plans to continue offering hands-on learning opportunities, license upgrade sessions, and technical workshops that blend Georgia Tech’s academic strengths with the practical side of amateur radio. “Student-run bootcamps don’t just teach radio; they also build momentum for youth on the air,” explained club president Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN. “We hope that these (and future) attendees become tomorrow’s operators, Elmers, and net controllers.”

Founded in the 1912, the Georgia Tech Amateur Radio Club is one of the oldest collegiate amateur radio organizations in the country. The club continues to promote education, experimentation, and service through campus outreach and collaboration with the Atlanta amateur radio community.

The National Hurricane Center in Florida, the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), and amateur radio operators have been tracking Tropical Storm Melissa.

“Melissa is definitely going to need to be watched. If it makes it into the Gulf, it could be a big problem,” said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV.

As of midday Thursday, Melissa has been reorganizing and is expected to begin intensifying. Heavy rains and life-threatening flooding are expected for portions of Hispaniola and Jamacia through the weekend. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Jamaica. Rainfall totals are forecast to be 6 – 12 inches in the southern Dominican Republic, southern Haiti, and eastern Jamaica through Sunday, with locally higher amounts possible throughout the weekend.

Melissa’s track and forward speed reduces confidence in the exact totals. Regardless, significant, life-threatening, flash flooding and numerous landslides are expected.

HWN is currently at Alert 3 standby mode. When activated, amateur radio operators can monitor or join the net on 14.325 MHz (USB) during the day or 7.268 MHz (LSB) at night.

The VoIP Hurricane Net will continue to monitor Melissa and any other developments in the tropics.

ARRL News will have any further updates as the storm progresses.

“Hamfest brings radio enthusiasts together in Gadsden” / The Anniston Star (Alabama) October 19, 2025 — The Gadsden Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

“Amateur Radio Club sets up for demonstration at East Texas Jamboree” / KLTV (Texas) October 18, 2025 — The Upshur Area Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

On the Air LIVE

Join ARRL’s Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he describes and demonstrates how VarAC can be leveraged to keep in contact with family and loved ones who live outside of an area where all grid communications are damaged or destroyed due to a natural or man-made disaster, no matter your license class.

Up Next:

📅 Date: October 28, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

👉 Register Now

On the Air

Sponsored by Icom

All About the EOC

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, joins the podcast in support of the September/October 2025 article “The EOC: Serving at the Hub,” by Rick Palm, K1CE, which talks about what an Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, is, and offers tips for hams who are serving at an EOC for the first time. Josh takes us through more Emergency Operations Center functions, as well as what hams need to know before they walk into one. Listen Now

More info | Listen on Blubrry | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

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. More info | Listen on Blubrry | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

ARRL would like to know just how your club greets and deals with new members and especially new hams. Please take a few minutes and fill out the survey at Club Spotlight on New Members. Your answers may be featured in future publications.

Robert Selbrede, K6ZZ, has been appointed as Section Manager for the Kentucky Section as of October 17, 2025. He is active in contesting and digital modes. Selbrede assumes the role after the former Section Manager Alan Morgan, KY1O, became a Silent Key recently.

Morgan served as Section Manager in Kentucky from April 2015 to April 2017 and again this year.

The United States Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (AFMARS) will hold its 77th annual special event from 0001 UTC November 8 through 2359 UTC November 11, 2025. Stations W1A, W1E, W1C, and W1W will be on the air from Scott AFB, Illinois, in the General and Technician portions of 80 – 10 meters (excluding 60 meters) using voice, CW, and digital (FT8). All amateur radio operators are invited to participate in the event. There will not be any QSL cards issued but a downloadable certificate will be available in mid-December. For more information, visit Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (AFMARS).

On November 11, 1500Z – 2000Z, KA4TAL, Horry Post 111 of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club of Conway, South Carolina, will be on the air using 14.255, 7.264, 14.275, and 7.185 MHz. A certificate will be available by email. QSL cards are accepted and the sender will receive a QSL card in return. Visit the Horry Post 111 for addresses and information.

On November 11 – November 12, 0400Z – 0400Z, WJ4DD, the Orleck Amateur Radio Society in Jacksonville, Florida, will celebrate Navy Days/Veterans Day using 7.225 and 14.250 MHz. The celebration will include the birthdays of the Naval Air Station (NAS) at Jacksonville; Naval Station Mayport; Master Jet Base-NAS Cecil Field, and the birthday of the United States Marines. A certificate will be available.

The New River Valley Amateur Radio Club, Christiansburg, Virigina, will celebrate Veterans Day from the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, with special event station W2B on 14.275 MHz. For additional information visit www.n4nrv.org.

The Central Ohio Radio Club (CORC) in Columbus will air its 4th annual Veterans Day Check-in net on the club’s 146.760 repeater. All amateur radio operators are invited to participate and share their stories, or family stories, about military service or Veterans Day tributes.

Come join the headquarters staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®! We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:

Membership Manager

Senior RFI Lab Engineer

Full details may be found on the ARRL HR web page at www.arrl.org/careers.

ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

Solar Image from the Learmonth Solar Observatory via Australian Spaceweather.com October 23, 2025.

ARRL Solar Report October 23, 2025

Solar activity reached moderate levels this past week, but has now returned to, and remains at, lower levels. Region 4248 produced an M1.1 flare October 20, which was the largest event of the period. Region 4261 was numbered this period as it rotated into better viewing conditions. Region 4262 was numbered this period as well, splitting it from Region 4257. Additionally, new spots were noted near N08W00 and N09E67, but went unnumbered due to a lack of flaring and time of emergence. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery. Solar activity is expected to remain low, with a chance for isolated M-class flares (R1-R2/minor-moderate), over through October 23.

Additional notable activity included a type II radio sweep with an estimated speed of 2,474 km/s and a type IV radio sweep that began on October 21. Significant field line movement, appearing to originate from beyond the northwestern limb, was observed in GOES SUVI imagery beginning on October 21 The subsequent coronal mass ejection (CME) was then first seen on LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery on October 21. This event has been analyzed as a far-sided asymmetric halo.

The 10.7-centimeter flux: October 23, 145; October 24 – 27, 150; October 28 – 30, 145.

Solar wind parameters were mildly enhanced this period due to negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) influences. Total magnetic field strength reached 10 nT, but the Bz component was mostly near neutral or northward. Solar wind speeds exhibited a decreasing trend from ~600 km/s to under 500 km/s by the period’s end. Phi was predominantly positive while undertaking brief excursions into the positive solar sector. Mildly enhanced solar wind conditions and waning negative polarity CH HSS influences were expected to continue through October 22. An ambience-like environment is expected to prevail on 23 Oct.

Predicted sunspot numbers; October 23, 127; October 24, 121; October 25,134; October 26, 118; October 27, 139; October 28, 114; October 29, 145.

For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read A Quick Guide to HF Propagation Using Solar Indices, and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.

• October 24 — Weekly RTTY Test (digital)
• October 24 — NCCC Sprint (CW)
• October 25 – 26 — CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB (phone)
• October 25 — 902 MHz and Up Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
• October 27 — RSGB FT4 Contest (digital)
• October 29 — UKEICC 80m Contest (CW)
• November 1 — IPARC Contest (CW)
• November 1 – 2 — UK/EI DX Contest, SSB (phone)
• November 1 – 3 — ARRL Sweepstakes Contest (CW)
• November 2 — IPARC Contest, SSB (phone)
• November 3 — RSGB 80m Autumn Series, Data (digital)
• November 4 — ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
• November 5 — UKEICC 80m Contest (phone)

• October 23 – 26 | HamCon Colorado 2025, hosting the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Grand Junction, Colorado
• November 1 | Stone Mountain Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
• November 15 | Superstition ARC Superfest & Electronics Expo, hosting the ARRL Arizona State Convention, Mesa, Arizona
• December 12 – 13 | The Tampa Bay Hamfest, hosting the ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant City, Florida

Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events in your area.

Submissions for The ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org. — John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor

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.

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.

225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400

www.arrl.org · 860-594-0200

Unsubscribe from this list.