Hello all, I hope that you and yours had a safe and pleasant week.

As you all know 6m had a short opening earlier during the week (7/15/10)and I was
able to work on 7/15/10, VP5/W5CW a US station that was working dx from
TURKS/CAICOS ISLANDS, British West Indies (BWI) on 50.127 with 100w and a di-pole.
His signal faded soon after I worked him. However, I was one of the lucky ones and was able
to make the contact. Another new country for 6m. :)

On 7//12/10 in the morning 2m (144 MHz) had an opening from the North East (ME) to the South East (GA).
I was able to make contact with K4LY on 144.200 usb, located in Inman, SC.

It pays to check the live VHF tropo map first thing in the morning. http://www.mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na

Have a wonderful week friends.

God Bless America

****** Check out the new VHF and HF real time band conditions section*******

Don't forget about this weekends special event(s) and contest(s):

get on the air this weekend and make some new and exiciting friends, not to mention some contacts.

CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: 1800Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 18-- CW, SSB, DIGITAL, Band: 6 & 2m
Berry Observatory On The Air (K8V): 1500Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 17-- SSB, Band: 80, 40, 20, 10m
NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint: 0030Z-0230Z, Jul 22-- CW, Band: 80, 40, 20m

Check out the Current & Upcoming DX Operations Section at the end of the news letter.
========================================================================================================
For those of you who like me enjoy VHF/UHF weak signal, here's the latest for this weekend from
the Hepburn forecast.

Well it looks like this weekend conditions along the NE US and Canadian East Coast will be good, good, good.
From Prince Edward Island Canada to the Florida Keys expect moderate to very good conditions all weekend.
The South Eastern US and parts of the Mid West can expect moderate to very good conditions all weekend.
With a continuation of conditions on Monday.

Tropo Forecast For July 17
From Prince Edward Island Canada to the Florida Keys can expect moderate to very good conditions
Folks who live along the gulf coast from Florida to the Texas panhandle can expect good to very good conditions.
Folks who live in the Southeast can expect moderate conditions depending on how far inland you are.
Folks in the mid west can expect marginal to moderate conditions depending on far you are from the Gulf Coast.

Tropo Forecast For July 18
Sunday will be a carbon copy of Saturday.
From Prince Edward Island Canada to the Florida Keys can expect moderate to very good conditions
Folks who live along the gulf coast from Florida to the Texas panhandle can expect good to very good conditions.
Folks who live in the Southeast can expect moderate conditions depending on how far inland you are.
Folks in the mid west can expect marginal to moderate conditions depending on far you are from the Gulf Coast.

Fire up your VHF/UHF all mode gear and make some contacts.
=======================================================================================================================
I hope that you all were able to make some Dx contacts.
========================================================================================================

Come join us every Wed for the RARC 10m net at 7:00pm on 28.470 USB past

RARC D-STAR 2m net on 147.255 no pl
(limited coverage area) at 8pm every Wed following the 10m net.

Come Join us every Sunday at 7pm for the RARC 6m net on 50.135 USB

Every night at around 10PM listen out for the PB& J Lounge with Penny N3LUV
more great talk radio. Click here for more info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pbnjlounge

Thought For The Week: "...
"Small minds talk about people, Average minds speak of events, Great minds discuss ideas" Unkown
=========================================================================================
So, with that said here are a few tid bits for all you radio hounds =========================================================================================

CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: 1800Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 18-- CW, SSB, DIGITAL, Band: 6 & 2m
Berry Observatory On The Air (K8V): 1500Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 17-- SSB, Band: 80, 40, 20, 10m
NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint: 0030Z-0230Z, Jul 22-- CW, Band: 80, 40, 20m

For more Special Event Information scroll to the Special Events Section.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Public Service Links National and International
American Red Cross Disaster Services -- http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/

American Red Cross Home Page -- http://www.redcross.org/

ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) -
http://www.emergency-radio.org/

Hazardous Materials Transportation Placards -- http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/placards/

Ireland / Amateur Radio Emergency Network (AREN) - http://www.irts.ie/aren/

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) - http://www.nvoad.org/

RACES / Guidance for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service - (Old) Official FEMA Guidelines
(Note that current FEMA guidelines recognize RACES but do not provide the specific guidance of this document) - http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/em/PDF/Guidance.pdf

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) - (Privately maintained website): http://www.usraces.org/

REACT International -- http://www.reactintl.org/

Salvation Army (USA) Home Page -- http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) -- http://satern.org/

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief -- http://www.namb.net/dr/

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Announced DX Operations: http://www.ng3k.com/Misc/adxo.html
QRP frequencies guide: www.niftyaccessories.com

Click here for current Gray Line Propagation Map

Use the link Below to check out the latest VHF propagation:
Click Here for Current Propagation Map

New MUF On-Line Conditions Map; http://137.229.36.30/cgi-bin/digisonde/latest.cgi
look at the at the line titiled MUF at bottom of screen to see current MUF.
Check out the Nets Section too for info on VHF/UHF and HF Nets!!

links for Dipoles and Lengths:
http://www.ku4ay.net/dipole.html
http://www.qsl.net/kd7rem/antdipole.htm
http://www.hamuniverse.com/multidipole.html
http://www.angelfire.com/nb/ni4l/ni4ldipole.html

From N3JBH FAN DIPOLE OR MULTIPLE BAND DIPOLE SPECS:
(Each leg is shown in length so you will need two legs.)

10 METERS = 8'4"
12 METERS = 9'5"
15 METERS = 11'1"
17 METERS = 12'10"
20 METERS = 16'8"
30 METERS = 23'2"
40 METERS = 32'9"
60 METERS = 43'7"
75 METERS = 60'9"
80 METERS = 65'6"
160 METERS = 123'5"
137 KHZ = 1708'1"
========================================================================================
HAM RADIO NEWS
**********************************************************************************************************************************
APPEALS COURT RULES FCC POLICY ON BROADCAST INDECENCY UNCONSTITUTIONAL
In a unanimous decision delivered on Tuesday, July 12th the three-judge Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York said that the FCC’s current policy created a chilling effect. One that goes far beyond the fleeting expletives at issue because it left broadcasters without a reliable guide to what the commission would find offensive.

The appeals court emphasized that it was not precluding federal regulation of broadcast standards. It specifically stated that it was not suggesting that the FCC could not create a policy that was constitutional but that the regulatory agency's current policy fails constitutional scrutiny.

The stricter policy enacted by the FCC followed several incidents that lead to widespread public complaints. This included singer Janet Jackson’s breast baring episode during the 2004 Super Bowl Half-Time Show and repeated instances of on the air fleeting profanity by celebrities, including Cher, Paris Hilton and Bono. This, during the live broadcasts of awards programs.

The Janet Jackson incident did not involve speech but it drew wide public outrage that spurred a crackdown by the FCC.

The decision against the FCC stems from a challenge by Fox, CBS and other broadcasters to the agency's decision in 2004 to begin enforcing a stricter standard of what kind of language is allowed on free, over-the-air television. Prior to 2004, the FCC consistently held that occasional, spontaneous use of certain words that were otherwise prohibited did not violate its indecency standards. (ARN)

IRELAND ISSUES NEW CALLS TO AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK
Ireland's telecommunications regulator ComReg has issued a new set of call signs for use by that nations Amateur Radio Emergency Network. The three calls are EI0AC, EI0EC, and EI0NC and supersede any callsigns issued in the past. The new calls are available for use during training and emergency nets as directed by Ireland's National Coordinator. (IRTS)
FCC Adopts RM10-124
FCC has adopted new rules regarding employee participation in drills.
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...C-10-124A1.doc
From the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Web pages under Highlights and Releases:
http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/

Popular Communications launches streamlined website
Popular Communications magazine has launched a new and easier-to-navigate website. The updated site features a clean new look and a streamlined user interface to make it quicker and easier for visitors to find what they are looking for.
The new Popular Communications website may be accessed at http://www.popular-communications.com.

Youth DX Adventure 2010 Costa Rica July 15-19
A team of youth operators and guardians will be on the air from TI5 (Costa Rica) July 15-19.
This DX Adventure was created to give young hams an opportunity to experience HF-DX'ing from the other side of a pileup, learning logging, good operating skills, propagation, and a great "what I did this summer" story when they return to middle and high school this fall.
Please listen for, work, cluster spot, and support this effort to mentor our youth in amateur radio operating/DX'ing.
The team will be on all bands and most modes.
This and future youth team groups depend on your club, organization, and individual donations to make this great program an annual event.

please visit: www.qsl.net/n6jrl/ for more info

qsl info: sase to TI5/homecall
ChambersFest Special Event Station - July 17th
The Cumberland Valley Amateur Radio Club, in Chambersburg PA will be operating a special event station at the 25th annual ChambersFest (CELEBRATE! TheArts at Old Market Days) event, on Saturday, July 17th, 2010, from 1330 UTC to 1930 UTC (930 am ET to 330 pm ET) ...using the Club callsign W3ACH.

ChambersFest is a yearly crafts festival, and commemoration of the burning of the town of Chambersburg during the Civil War. The two main streets in downtown Chambersburg are closed off and many craft vendors and food vendors operate there. There will also be several events on the square during the day as well.

The CVARC will be operating one HF station, alternating on the frequencies of 7.260 USB and 14.260 USB (plus or minus due to QRM).We will also have a VHF station in operation, primarily on the CVARC 147.120 repeater, but we may also operate on other local repeaters as well.

Stations who work W3ACH can get a certificate by sending a QSL card to: Chambersfest, Cumberland Valley Amateur Radio Club,
PO Box 121, Chambersburg PA 17201.( NOTE: We will be verifiying address information via QRZ and other online sites, so please let us know if your information is different.)

All are welcomed to stop in at the CVARC booth, located next to the Courthouse annex in downtown Chambersburg, PA. Talk in will be on the 147.120 W3ACH repeater.

For more information about Chambersfest, visit the Chambersfest Web site at: http://www.chambersburg.org/pages.asp?page=6

For more information about the CVARC and our special event station, go to: www.w3ach.org
K2BSA at the National Scout Jamboree
On the morning of July 26 Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia will be the fastest growing city in the country. 43,000 scouts and leaders will join 8,000 volunteers to celebrate 100 years of scouting in the US. The 46 members of the K2BSA staff will be on the job to provide support and information to arriving Hams through the 2m and 70cm on site repeaters.
The K2BSA demonstration station will be located at its usual location south east of the Mahone staff area.
The demo station will provide tours and demonstrate Amateur Radio to visiting scouts and scouters.
The K2BSA merit badge midway staff will teach the Radio Merit Badge at the Merit Badge Midway. The scout can complete all the requirements required for the merit badge.
The K2BSA staff will operate an EchoLink station at the upcoming jamboree.

Jamboree Frequency: 444.425 MHz simplex
Jamboree PL Tone: 100 Hz
EchoLink Node Number: 307770

More Info: http://www.nsj2010ham.com
GBARC Special Event Station VA3FPI (flower pot island) July 31st to Aug 2nd
Island # ON005 Light House # CAN181 Grid Square # EN95
WLH # 0763 Coordinates 45E 18.35N, 81E 37.02W

Every year the the Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club embarks on a Dxpedition to Flower Pot Island to activate grid square EN95 and special event station VA3FPI. Flower pot is an island in Georgian Bay approx. 6 kms from Tobermory off the Bruce Peninsula. This has been an annual event held on the first week in August since 2001 with the help of many club members and friends. As a result the event is well received by the amateur radio community with many contacts and qsl cards received. Many thanks to those who participate.

http://www.gbarc.ca
================================================================================================================= Current HF and VHF Band Conditions:
Click Here: http://www.hamqsl.com/solar101vhf.php
=================================================================================================================
Propagation Forecast:
ARLP004 Propagation de K7RA
Two new sunspot groups appeared in the last week, groups 1087 and
1088. 1088 lasted just one day, on July 13, 2010 with a relative
area of 10 (millionths of a solar hemisphere). Sunspot group 1087
had a relative area from July 9-15 of 30, 100, 120, 130, 70, 100 and
60.

Average daily sunspot numbers this reporting week (July 8-14) rose
2.9 points to 18.9, and average daily solar flux was up 6.4 points
to 79.2. Predicted solar flux for July 16-23 is 76 on each day,
then 74 on July 24-27. This is lower than recent forecasts
predicted.

Predicted planetary A index for July 16 is 10, followed by 5 for
each day through July 22. The next rise in planetary A index is
July 23-28, when it is predicted to be 18, 12, 10, 8, 15 and 10.

Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet geomagnetic conditions
July 16-21 and quiet to unsettled on July 22.

On Wednesday, July 14 there was an interruption at
http://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov/ in the portion of the STEREO image that
faces earth, but by early Thursday morning it was restored. On July
18 around 1000z the STEREO mission coverage will reach 91 percent of
the sun's surface. In February 2011 the Solar Dynamics Observatory
(http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/) will provide the data to the STEREO
online display that appears around the zero degree meridian, and
solar coverage should be at 100 percent.

Due to movement of the STEREO craft, as the gap closes on the far
side, a new one facing earth will begin in January 2011. Eventually
the two spacecraft will work their way around the sun and return to
their original position by 2024.

Sunspot numbers for July 8 through 14 were 11, 12, 18, 25, 22, 28,
and 16 with a mean of 18.9. 10.7 cm flux was 75.6, 80, 79.9, 82.6,
80, 78.5 and 77.7 with a mean of 79.2. Estimated planetary A indices
were 3, 5, 2, 5, 5, 3 and 11 with a mean of 4.9. Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 2, 4, 0, 2, 2, 1 and 7 with a mean of
2.6.

===========================================================================================================

From SPACEWEATHER.COM (www.spaceweather.com)

PUZZLING COLLAPSE OF THE THERMOSPHERE: Researchers are puzzling over a sharper-than-expected collapse of Earth's upper atmosphere during the deep solar minimum of 2008-09. "Something is going on that we do not understand," says John Emmert of the Naval Research Lab, lead author of a paper announcing the finding. Get the full story from Science@NASA.

Solar wind
speed: 339.6 km/sec
density: 4.0 protons/cm3
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1536 UT
X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: B1 1255 UT Jul17
24-hr: B1 1255 UT Jul17
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 1535 UT

Daily Sun: 17 Jul 10

Decaying sunspot 1087 poses a declining threat for C-class solar flares. Credit: SOHO/MDI

Sunspot number: 17
What is the sunspot number?
Updated 16 July 2010

Spotless Days
Current Stretch: 0 days
2010 total: 35 days (17%)
2009 total: 260 days (71%)
Since 2004: 803 days
Typical Solar Min: 486 days
explanation | more info
Updated 16 July 2010

The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 77 sfu
explanation | more data
Updated 16 July 2010

Current Auroral Oval:

Switch to: Europe, USA, New Zealand, Antarctica
Credit: NOAA/POES

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 1 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 2 quiet
explanation | more data

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 1.7 nT
Bz: 1.3 nT north
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1537 UT

Coronal Holes:

A solar wind stream flowing from the indicated coronal hole should reach Earth on or about July 22nd. Credit: SDO/AIA

SPACE WEATHER
NOAA Forecasts

Updated at: 2010 Jul 16 2201 UTC
FLARE 0-24 hr 24-48 hr
CLASS M 05 % 05 %
CLASS X 01 % 01 %

Geomagnetic Storms:
Probabilities for significant disturbances in Earth's magnetic field are given for three activity levels: active, minor storm, severe storm
Updated at: 2010 Jul 16 2201 UTC
Mid-latitudes 0-24 hr 24-48 hr
ACTIVE 05 % 05 %
MINOR 01 % 01 %
SEVERE 01 % 01 %

High latitudes 0-24 hr 24-48 hr
ACTIVE 01 % 01 %
MINOR 01 % 01 %
SEVERE 01 % 01 %
========================================================================================

Ham Gear For Sale:

http://swap.qth.com/

Tarheel Antennas: http://www.tarheelantennas.com/

M2 Antennas: http://www.m2inc.com/index2.html

HRO: http://www.hamradio.com/

===========================================================================================
REPEATER INFO
===========================================================================================

Southern Maryland Linked Repeater System
http://www.n3px.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11
This Southern Maryland Linked Repeater System is EchoIRLP Enabled.
If you are in the Southern maryland are and wish to use this system
Here's how you link to IRLP or ECHOLINK.
Use "B" as your prefix for IRLP access
example: B9250 for reflector 9250
Use "C" as your prefix for Echolink access
example: C9999 for conference 9999
Use "73" to disconnect

RARC 2m D-STAR repeater on 147.255 no pl
(limited coverage area)

Repeater Mapping with Google maps
by k5ehx

South Carolina repeater Info; thanks to Charlie AE4UX for this info.

http://www.angelfire.com/nv/lcrs/repeaters.html

Linked system of repeaters that cover most of Colorado: http://www.colcon.org/

EchoLink Repeaters:
EchoLink USA VIRGINIA CULPEPPER,VA 147.120 W4CUL Node 300136 146.2
EchoLink USA VIRGINIA Petersburg,Va 444.275-R 444.2750 KG4YJB Node 93516 103.5
EchoLink USA NORTH CAROLINA Raleigh 444.675 KD4RAA-R Node 51071 100.0
EchoLink USA VIRGINIA Norfolk,VA 145.330 W4VB Node 311763 131.8
Echolink USA VIRGINIA Three Dog Linked Repeater Group 444.175 (Hub) Node 126596 103.5 http://www.varepeaters.com/
145.270 ECHO LINK NODE 6106 COLUMBIA S.C.
444.725 131.8 Echolink node 2014 Columbia NC at 1200 ft, K4OBX-L covers NOBX
444.925 131.8 Echolink node 2003 Hatteras Island at 300 ft K4OBX-R covers SOBX
444.300 131.8 Echolink node 312941 Elizabeth City NC WA4VTX-R covers 168/ECT

The Wakefield SkyWarn Echolink Conference Server is operating under the "*WX4AKQ*" conference ID or Node Number "491248".
This server is available 24/7 and is open for non weather use by any Licensed Ham connected to a Echolink Station as long as it's not in use by SkyWarn for weather traffic.

NCHEARS Linked System that is connected to Echolink. Echolink Node: 8092
INFO: http://www.nchears.org/news.php
Each weekend from 5 PM Friday until about 9:15 PM Sunday several repeaters of NC HEARS, SC HEART and the VA 3 Dog Repeater Group are linked together to provide coverage across parts of 3 states.

Here is a map showing the repeater locations and frequency / PL info. If there are any additions or corrections, please let me know.

http://tinyurl.com/ydsy4n6

Hope this is helpful.

Derek
KD4ADL
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
IRLP REPEATERS:
Carolina 440 Linked repeater System : http://www.caryncrepeater.com/repeaters_on_link.htm W4RAT 146.880 PL= 74.4 & W4RAT 442.550 PL=74.4 146.625 pl 131.8 IRLP node 8270, Hatteras Island at 300 ft. K4OBX 442.425 pl 131.8 IRLP node 5680 Hatteras Island. full time link to Carolina 440 Link System
===========================================================================================
*********************************************************************************************************************

NETS
==========================================================================
EchoLink Traders Net
Net time is every Wednesday at 10 am untill about 11 am + or
on the *SCARS* Echo Link Node, receive only

The Family Net on Ecolink
come one come all to the family net it on ecolink wed and fri 10 am to 11am eastern time come join us and be part of the family meet new friends great group lots of fun the kink is on (c4qlp) link . the node is (290251) please come in and join us

75 Meter Interstate Sideband Net

9:30 est(0230 UTC), the H.A.M.Group's Weds night net on Echolink happens on node 77433

M-F ECARS 7.255 LSB http://ecars7255.com/

M-F SCARS 7.251 LSB http://www.southcars.com/

MidCars on 7.258 LSB 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM each day

Rotten Apples 7.238 LSB 6-7am ET & 7-8 pm et http://hometown.aol.com:80/RottenApplesARG/rottenapples.html

75M evening HF net in Alaska on 3.933 Mhz at 8 pm to 9 pm Alaska time on Wednesdays only.

Chattahoochee 10 Meter Group
Tuesdays - 8:30PM EDT
28.335 USB (+ or - QRM)
Net Controls: K4VIC, W4OZA, KI4FCQ

HF 75M YL BCYLARA Net
First and third Tuesdays each month on 3.748MHz + or -. Net time varies due to propagation and seasonal changes. Net time starting March 6, 2007 will be 6pm local BC time. Net shuts down end of May for the summer. Net control is Elizabeth VA7TK. YLs/OMs welcomed! http://www.qsl.net/ylradio/nets.html

Try the Georgia Training Net... on 80m http://www.ad4dx.com/gtn/
meets daily at 9:00 PM EDT, 0100 hours UTC, on 3549 Khz - 3.549 Mhz

Mississippi Slow Net @ 3541.0 mHz Monday through Friday 19:00 CST (00:00 Z) net control - W3TWD

6 Meter Very Slow Code 50.210 Thursday nite 8:00 PM. This will help those that would like to get
practice in improving their Morse code speed and have 6 meter authority. Doc, AI4JN, generally
calls this net out of Columbia, SC.... Know that net control has had a few check in using only dipoles and
low power quite away from Columbia SC.
*********

You are invited to check into the South Carolina Single Sideband Net each evening at 7:00 PM Local
time. Frequency is 3.915. It is a Traffic Net for any traffic coming in and out of South Carolina
via the Carolinas Net. You are welcome any evening. Give it a try. South Carolina SSB Net:
http://www.w4jf.com/sc_ssb_net.htm
*******

Russ KD4HDR has started a new HF SSB net on the
first Saturday of the month at 9PM on 3959KHz for testing
and experimentation. Mark it on your calendar and join in!
*******

* Tuesdays Sanlapper SSB Six Meter Net, 8:00pm 50.250.
* Wed Lake Norman SSB Six Meter Net, 8:00pm 50.130
* Sunday 9PM Lexington AREA 2M FM simplex net 146.55
* First Sat Monthly RARC 9PM 3.959 MHz +/- QRM
* Daily: The Carolinas Slow Net(CSN) starts at 8:00 PM on 3695 kHz
* Daily: South Carolina Single Sideband Net 7:00 PM at 3.915.

RARC 6m Nets:
Sunday 7:00pm 50.135 usb
Wed 7:00pm 50.135 usb

RARC 10m net
Wed 7:00pm 28.470 usb

RARC 2m net on there new D-STAR repeater on 147.255 no pl
(limited coverage area) at 8pm every Wed following the 10m net.

N4VEM Packet Net is every Wed night at 8:15pm on 145.730
If you are local to Richmond just connect to N4VEM "c n4vem" and enter "c" for conference.
N4VEM Packet Net Info

VA Digital Net

My simplex Echolink Node(Node # 282700; simplex Freq 146.595 PL = 97.4) is up when I'm in town So, look for it on the Echolink Nodes status web site to find out when it's up and available.
www.echolink.net

Virginia Fone Net
Give a listen to 3947 at 4pm and 7:30pm to the Virginia Fone Net.

At 6pm on the same freq. you'll hear the Virginia Sideband Net, an ARRL traffic net, and usually before the 7:30 VFN.

The VFN is a pretty good bunch of guys, and the net was started in the 1930's, so some of these guys have been around for decades.

Tune in and make new friends.

Carolina 440 Ragchew Net.
For those of you interested in joing a fun net every Monday night
at 7:30 pm the Carolina 440 ragchew net is the one. This net is
is held via the 440 linked repeater system in North Carolina and is
available via IRLP Node 4270. Join in and make new friends.

http://www.caryncrepeater.com/Carolina440ragchew.htm

====================================================================================
Special Events/Contests/Hamfests
************************************************************************************************************************************************
CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: 1800Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 18-- CW, SSB, DIGITAL, Band: 6 & 2m
INFO: http://www.cqww-vhf.com/rules.htm

Berry Observatory On The Air (K8V): 1500Z, Jul 17 to 2100Z, Jul 17-- SSB, Band: 80, 40, 20, 10m
INFO: Defiance, OH. Defiance County Amateur Radio Club. 14.235 7.250 3.875 28.400 D-Star: Reflector 12C. Certificate. K8V, 1778 Maumee Dr., Defiance, OH 43512. Electronic certificate can be obtained via email: k8von@live.com, please include contact info. k8von.webs.com

NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint: 0030Z-0230Z, Jul 22-- CW, Band: 80, 40, 20m
INFO: http://home.windstream.net/yoel/sprint201007.html

Jul 17, 1400Z-1900Z, NC4MC, Annual Candor NC Peach Festival, Candor/Troy, NC. Montgomery Amateur Radio Society. 14.250 7.250 147.090 442.20. QSL. Donald Grady, 120 Woodline Dr, MARS QSL REQ, Troy, NC 27371.

Jul 17-Jul 18, 1400Z-2000Z, K3MJW/50, 50th Anniversary of Skyview Radio Society, New Kensington, PA. Skyview Radio Society. 21.264 14.264 14.045 7.264. QSL. Skyview Radio Society, 2335 Turkey Ridge Rd, New Kensington, PA 15068. www.skyviewradio.net

Jul 17-Jul 18, 1700Z-0500Z, W5O, BCARC 50th Anniversary, Coldwater, MI. Branch County Amateur Radio Club. 21.325 14.250 7.225 3.850 80 40 20 15 m SSB. Certificate. Arnie Hayward, 242 Marshall St, Coldwater, MI 49036. *$2, send no postage or envelope. www.branchcountyarc.com

Jul 17, 1600Z-2359Z, NI6IW, Independence Day and WAVES Birthday 1942, San Diego, CA. USS Midway (CV41) Museum Radio Operations Room. SSB 14.320 7.250 D-STAR 012C 2m/7cm SOCAL rptrs. QSL. USS Midway Museum Radio Room, 920 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. kk6fz@arrl.net

Jul 24-Jul 25, 2359Z-2359Z, TC150SLH,The 150th Anniversary of Şile Lighthouse, Istanbul, RE. TCSWAT. All Bands. Certificate. TCSWAT/Op. A.K. Tevfik, TA1HZ, PO Box 73 Karakoy, Istanbul, RE. Contacts can be used for the TC150SLH Award. www.ta0u.com/2010/eng/PDF/TC150SLH.PDF

Jul 24-Jul 25, 1500Z-1500Z, W0VHQ, Sanborn Railroad Days, Sanborn, IA. Northwest Iowa Amateur Radio Club. 50.130 28.360 14.250 7.225. QSL. Randy Hogan, KC0ZTR, 601 W 4th St, Sanborn, IA 51248. Operating from a historic Railroad Caboose in Sanborn, IA -- come join us! www.qrz.com/db/w0vhq or www.niarc.com

Jul 31, 1400Z-2100Z, W9A, Annual Swiss Days, Berne, IN. Adams County Amateur Radio Club. 14.270 7.270. QSL. Adams County Amateur Radio Club, c/o 3496 E 900 S, Geneva, IN 46740. wb9kqo.com

Jul 31-Aug 1, 1400Z-2200Z, K4CG, The 220th Birthday of the US Coast Guard, Alexandria, VA. Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club. 14.250 10.110 7.270. QSL. US Coast Guard TISCOM, 7323 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315. k4us@mvarc.com or www.mvarc.com www.mvarc.com

Aug 1-Aug 8, 0100Z-2359Z, W7QF, International Lighthouse Week, Merchantville, NJ. International Lighthouse-Lightship Organization. 21.370 14.270 7.270 3.970. QSL. ARLHS, 114 Woodbine Ave, Merchantville. This is a worldwide event. illw.co.uk

Aug 7-Aug 8,1800 UTC Saturday, ends 1800 UTC Sunday, ARRL August UHF Contest. http://www.arrl.org/august-uhf
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Here are a few Propagation Beacons to try to listen for:
10 Meter Beacon INFO -->

Ten Meter Beacon Spotter: http://10mbeacons.com/

http://www.caryncrepeater.com/k4jdr_10_meter_beacon.htm

These are links to lists of the known 10 meter beacons worldwide:

http://www.mydarc.de/dl8wx/baken_kw.htm

http://userpages.troycable.net/~wj5o/bcn.htm

This is a link to a 10 meter beacon-spotter website and other information:

http://10mbeacons.com/beaconspot/spot90.php

There is also a beacon spotter email reflector with daily logs here:

http://www.explore.force9.co.uk/beacons/hfbeacons.htm

VHF/UHF BEACONS by WZ1V

http://www.newsvhf.com/beacons2.html

Beacons Near Richmond VA:

144.280 N4MW FM17kn VA New Kent 30W+Sqloop@20'
Beacons, 50MHz, World-Wide
Propagation Beacons to the South:

144.285 WD4GSM EM86qv VA Wise 4200' asl

144.296 WD4KPD FM15mm NC Washington 20W+2halos @30'

144.299 K0GHZ FM25 NC Hatteras 30W to Hor. Loop @ 50'

144.300 KD4NMI FM05rt NC Knightdale 10W vertical omni @575'

144.276 KD4ESV FL BRADENTON

432.307 WA4PGI FM07bw VA Covington 5W+crossed dipoles,+/-5KHz

432.347 WD4GSM EM86qv VA Wise 4200' asl

Propagation Beacons to the North:

144.284 W3CCX FM29jw PA Philadelphia 4W to single loop @ 435'

144.295 W3VD FM19ne MD Laurel 10W +halo freq varies

144.297 K3DEL FM28fn DE Sussex cty. 5W to yagi @ 135'

144.276 W2RTB FN12 NY 15W +Eggbeater @450' asl

144.288 KN2MET FN30 NY

144.287 W2IK FN30js NY LI 50W horiz Loop

144.289 WA2UMX FN23xc NY Providence 20W + 2 Big Wheels 1620'ASL

432.306 W2RTB FN12 NY 15W +Eggbeater @450' asl

432.313 W3VD FM19ne MD Laurel 7W +turnstile

432.297 K3DEL FM28fn DE Sussex cty. 5W to yagi @ 135'

Propagation Beacons In Canada

50.007 VA2ZFN FN 07PJ BELLETERRE, QC Canada
50.008 VE8SIX CP 38 Inuvik Canada
50.001 VE1SMU 11 El 25 FN 84 Halifax
50.005 VE8R DP 33 Canada
50.018 VE4ARM EN 19 BRANDON,MB Canada
50.020 VE8WD J-pole vert. 25 DP 22 Yellowknife
50.025 VE4SPT EN 19 THOMPSON, MB
50.031 VE6XIS Yagi 25 DO 21 Calgary Canada
50.033 VE7FG CO 83 PRINCE GEORGE, BC
50.036 VE4VHF Omni vert 35 EN 19 Headingly Canada
50.037 VE4VHF Omni vert. 35 EN 19 Manitoba
50.040 VO1ZA-6 GN 37js NF Carbonear
50.041 VE6EMU 4 Elm 40 DO 33 Camrose
50.044 VE6ARC Omni 40 DO 05 Grand Prairie
50.048 VE6ARC Omni vert 50 DO 75 Grand Prairie,Canada
50.048 VE8BY Vert. 30 FP 53 Iqaluit
50.049 VE8BW/B DP 33 Canada
50.049 VE3BCN 3 FN 03 Brampton Canada
50.050 VA2WW/B FN 57 Canada
50.053 VE1PZ Loop 15 3 FN 85 QR Picton
50.054 VE2YAT FN 48 lm ST-HONORE, QC Canada
50.059 VE3UBL Turnstile 8 FN 03 Pickering
50.065 VE9MS 2 * loop 1 FN 65 Geary,NB
50.072 VE1CCP FN 86 I.Pr.Edward Canada
50.073 VE1MQ Turnstile 10 FN 65 Fredericton Canada
50.073 VE1MQ Loop 5 FN 65 Geary,Canada
50.075 VE9MS Loop 5 FN 65 Fredericton Canada
50.077 VE3DRL Vert 30 FN 03 Toronto Canada
50.086 VE2STL Vert. Dipole 1.5 FN 46 Kinnars Mill
50.086 VE2TH Dipole 3 FN 46 Val Belair,Canada
50.088 VE2TWO Dipole 18 FO 13 Evain
50.088 VE1SIX Vert FN 66 N.Brunswick Canada
50.088 VE1ASJ FN 67 St Johns,Canada
50.089 VE2TWO Dipole 18 FN 13 Radisson Canada
50.150 VE7RAN Vert 100 DO 11 Penticton,Canada
50.110 VE7SIX Vert CN 88 Kaleden Canada

144.280 VE2FUT 15W+Turnstile 550'ASL FN 25wg PQ Rigeau
144.281 VE4ARM 10W 3el yagi @ 53'to SE EN 09jw MB Austin
144.284 VE1CBC FN 63NS Yarmouth
144.285 VE6EMU 20W to 5el yagi aimed N DO33pa Alberta
144.292 VE8BY 23W to 8 bay dipole array FP53rs Iqaluit
144.295 VE1SMU 10W yagi pointed WSW FN74os NS Lake George
144.299 VE1SMU/H 15W 7el Yagi SW,FSK FN84 NS Halifax
144.400 VO1ZA 250W 11 el yagi to Europe. GN37js NF Carbonear
144.287 VE1SMU 10W 5 el yagi to W GN03 Sable Is 144.278 VE3ZAP EN94 222.055 VE1SMU 10W to 5el yagi to west GN03 Sable Island
222.057 VE1SMU 10W yagi pointed WSW FN74os NS Lake George 432.300 VE1SMU 8'dish to west GN03 Sable Island
432.300 VE4ARM 20W to 3el yagi @ 53'to SE EN09jw MB Austin
432.328 VE2CLO 10W + 2x12 yagissouth/west FN35 Montreal
432.339 VE1SMU/H FN84 NS Halifax
432.348 VE1SMU 10W yagi to WSW FN74os NS Lake George

Sources Radio Amaeturs of Canada
WZ1V Ron Limas
G3USF's Worldwide List Of 50MHz Beacons
DX Summit

MARCONI RADIO CLUB OF NEWFOUNDLAND INC.

The 6 metre beacon (VO1ZA) operates on the campus of Memorial University and was designed and installed by members of the MUN ARC in June of 1990. It operates on a frequency of 50.0400 MHz (space) 50.0395 MHz (mark) FSK CW with 1.5 watts output to a 0.27 wave gamma fed vertical (omni). The beacon is maintained by the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland. Following an electrical storm, the beacon was off the air for several days. Service was restored on 1500 UTC 5 September 2005.

A 2 metre CW transatlantic beacon is operating on 144.400 MHz,+-0.5 kHz transmitting with an ERP of 2.2 kW and beaming 60 degrees.

A 2 metre FM beacon transmitts audio Morse on 146.31 MHz. This beacon has been on the air since 14 September 1986 and has been used to study seasonal variability in local VHF propagation. It also serves as a bench mark for repeater antenna receiving performance in the region.

A long wave beacon is in operation on 137.7770 kHz

http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~jcraig/beac2.htm

Current & Upcoming DX Operations
Start
Date End
Date DXCC
Entity Call QSL
via Reported
by

2010 Jun02 2010 Jun06 Tokelau ZK3X UR3HR DXW.Net
20100308 By UX0HX RK3FA UT5UY UT1HF US7UX UR3HR fm OC-048; 160-10m; CW SSB + digital; 3 stns; verticals + vertical arrays; QSL OK via Buro or direct
2010 Jun02 2010 Jun08 Ascension I ZD8J JE1WVQ OPDX
20100510 By JE1WVQ fm Georgetown (AF-003)
2010 Jun03 2010 Jun06 Liechtenstein HB0 LotW OK1FJD
20100424 By OK6DJ as HB0/OK6DJ/p; G5RV, dipole; IARU Region 1 Field Day; QSL also OK via OK1DRQ, Buro or direct
2010 Jun03 2010 Jun09 West Kiribati T30XG JA1XGI OPDX
20100322 By JA1XGI; 40-6m; CW + digital; QSL OK via JARL Buro or direct; call sign may be T30/T32XG
2010 Jun05 2010 Jun26 Maldives 8Q7TB PF4T DXW.Net
20100111 By PF4T; 40 20m, possibly 17 15 10m; SSB RTTY PSK31; see Web page for QSL details
2010 Jun06 2010 Jun28 Singapore 9V1 LotW AD6ZJ
20100428 By AD6ZJ as 9V1/AD6ZJ; HF w/ focus on WARC; RTTY SSB CW; time permitting, mainly weekends and nights; QSL also OK via AD6ZJ, Buro or direct
2010 Jun08 2010 Jun12 Sint Maarten PJ7
PA3LEO IK1PMR
20100518 By IK1PMR as PJ7/IK1PMR and PA3LEO using PJ7/PA3LEO; focus on WARC; CW RTTY; 100w; holiday style operation
2010 Jun08 2010 Jun17 St Martin FS K9EL K9EL
20100505 By K9EL as FS/K9EL; 80-6m; CW SSB RTTY; verticals, possibly a yagi for 6m; holiday style operation
2010 Jun09 2010 Jun19 Montserrat VP2MRT LotW KB4CRT
20100504 By KB4CRT; 40-2m; 100w, some QRP; QSL also OK via KB4CRT direct (US SASE, DX 2GS )
2010 Jun10 2010 Jun17 Turks & Caicos VQ5M KD2JA WB2REM
20100118 By WB2REM KD2JA fm Providenciales I (NA-002, FL31vs) for ARRL VHF Contest (6m only, mixed mode); QRV using VP5/WB2REM and VP5/KD2JA outside contest, 160-6m, CW SSB
2010 Jun10 2010 Jun21 San Andres 5J0BV K7BV Direct DXW.Net
20100504 By K7BV fm San Andres I (NA-033, EK92dm); HF + 6m; 50.106.2 MHz breakable beacon; wire + vert on HF, 8el 42.5' boom on 6m
2010 Jun10 2010 Jun24 Albania ZA LotW HG5XA
20100424 By HG5XA as ZA/HA5X fm Orikum; holiday style operation; QSL also available via OQRS, details TBA
2010 Jun11 2010 Jun17 Guernsey GU 2E0WMG F5NQL
20100413 By 2E0WMG as 2U0WMG/p fm Herm I (EU-114); 80-15m; SSB
2010 Jun12 2010 Jun19 Malta 9H3XW G5XW Direct VA3RJ
20100415 By G5XW fm EU-023, MIA MM-001, WLOTA LH-1113; SSB
2010 Jun12 2010 Jun21 Anguilla VP2E
PA3LEO IK1PMR
20100518 By IK1PMR as VP2EMR and PA3LEO using VP2ECF (call signs requested); focus on WARC; CW RTTY; 100w; holiday style operation
2010 Jun12 2010 Jun25 Malta 9H3BS G0SGB Direct VA3RJ
20100318 By G0SGB fm EU-023 (MIA MM-001, WLOTA LH-1113), also fm Gozo I (EU-023, MIA MM-004, WLOTA LH-0046) with TBD
2010 Jun18 2010 Jun20 Taiwan BW2 JK2VOC Direct JK2VOC
20100420 By JK2VOC as BW2/JK2VOC
2010 Jun19 2010 Jul03 Malta 9H3MK OH1MN VA3RJ
20100514 By OH1MN fm EU-023 (MIA MM-001, WLOTA LH-1113); holiday style operation; QSL OK via Buro or direct
2010 Jun22 2010 Jun27 Liechtensten HB0 See Info OPDX
20100322 By OZ1MDX as HB0/OU4U; HF; CW SSB RTTY, perhaps PSK31; Direct QSL via M0URX, Buro request at Web link
2010 Jun28 2010 Jul05 St Vincent J8 KB3RHR OPDX
20091221 By W9DR as J8/W9DR and W8IF as J8/W8IF fm Bequia I (NA-025); 6m
2010 Jul01 2010 Jul13 Cape Verde Is D44TOI HB9BOI DXW.Net
20100412 By HB9BOI fm Sal I (AF-086); HF
2010 Jul05 2010 Jul14 St Pierre & Miquelon FP LotW K9OT
20100314 By K9OT as FP/K9OT and KB9LIE as FP/KB9LIE fm Miquelon I (NA-032, DIFO FP-002, GN17); 80-10m, possibly 160 10m; CW SSB; QSL also OK via home_call, Buro or direct
2010 Jul07 2010 Jul22 Mongolia JT1 IW5ELA IW5ELA
20100330 By IW5ELA as JT1/IW5ELA; 40-15m; verticals + wires; holiday style operation; QSL OK via Buro or direct
2010 Jul09 2010 Jul25 Bahamas C6
Home Call VA3RJ
20100520 By NA6M as C6AMS, also N5BW (C6AMR), K2CK (C6ASH), K5AB (C6AAB) W5ETY (C6ATY) fm Eleuthera I (NA-001, FL15)
2010 Jul10 2010 Jul24 Corsica TK10B F8BBL OPDX
20091221 By F8BBL fm Golfe de Valinco and possibly Sanguinaires I (EU-104) + Lavezzi I (EU-164)
2010 Jul12 2010 Jul19 Belize V31 See Info OPDX
20100412 By K5YY as V31YY (QSL via K5YY, also W5SJ using V31SJ and W5UQ with V31UQ (QSL both via W5JAY); HF; QRV for CQ VHF Contest; will check 60m after sunset on the hour
2010 Jul13 2010 Jul14 Fiji 3D2 Home Call JA2NQG
20100408 By JA2NQG JH2BNL JI2UAY as TBD; 160-10m; CW SSB RTTY, perhaps some FM
2010 Jul14 2010 Jul24 Wallis & Futuna FW5M Home Call JA2NQG
20100408 By JA2NQG fm Wallis I (OC-054); also JH2BNL using TO2BNL and JI2UAY using FW5FM; 160-10m; CW SSB RTTY, perhaps some FM; will also try to activate Hoorn I (OC-118)
2010 Jul16 2010 Jul24 Sardinia IS0E
TBA 425DXN
20100515 By EA3AKA EA3GHZ EA5EOR EC5BME fm EU-024 (JN40iu); 80-10m; SSB CW
2010 Jul17 2010 Jul31 Seychelles S79BWW CT1BWW CT1BWW
20100420 By CT1BWW fm Mahe (AF-024, LI75sf); 80-6m; CW SSB, perhaps RTTY; QSL OK via Buro or direct
2010 Jul21 2010 Jul31 Senegal 6V7W
EA5KA EA6TS
20100519 By EA1AP EA1CJ EA1SA EA5KA; 160-6m, focus on 6m; SSB CW RTTY; 3 stns; Loc. IK14ll
2010 Jul24 2010 Jul31 Malta 9H3Y IT9ABY IT9ABY
20100511 By IT9ABY IT9WKU IT9ZRU IW9HJT; QSL via Buro OK, direct preferred
2010 Jul25 2010 Jul31 Senegal 6V7EA
TBA 425DXN
20100515 By EA1AP EA1CJ EA1SA EA5KA; 160-6m; SSB CW RTTY; call sign requested
2010 Aug16 2010 Aug19 Botswana A25 Home Call VA3RJ
20100423 By W2LPL as A25/W2LPL fm Tuli Bloc, W2DBL likewise; HF; mainly SSB
2010 Aug18 2010 Aug25 Alaska KL7RRC See Info 425DXN
20100220 By RV3ACA N6PYN N3QQ UA9OBA fm Chirikof I (NA-235); dates tentative; Russia + Europe QSL via UA9OBA, others via N7RO
2010 Aug26 2010 Sep01 Alaska KL7 See Info 425DXN
20100220 By RV3ACA N6PYN N3QQ UA9OBA as N6PYN/KL7 fm NA-239; dates tentative; Russia + Europe QSL via UA9OBA, others via N7RO
2010 Sep16 2010 Sep20 Greenland OX6YL LA6RHA
20100325 By OZ7AGR LA6RHA LA8FOA IT9ESZ F5RPB DJ6US fm Kangerlussuaq; CW SSB; all YL team
2010 Oct07 2010 Oct22 Temotu H40KJ SP5DRH SP5DRH
20100425 By SP5DRH fm Pigeon I (OC-065), also SP3BQ using H40BQ (QSL via SP3BQ); focus on 160m; mainly CW, some RTTY
2010 Oct08 2010 Oct18 Netherlands Antilles PJ2 LotW K8ND
20100512 By K8ND as PJ2/K8ND fm Curacao; QSL also OK via K8ND
2010 Oct10 2010 Oct20 Sint Maarten PJ7 KQ1F K1XM
20100504 By K1XM + others as TBD fm QTH of PJ8UQ; 160-10m; SSB CW RTTY
2010 Oct20 2010 Oct30 Greenland OX
TBA DL2VFR
20100516 By DF9TM as OX/DF9TM; DL2SWW DL1RTL DL2VFR likewise, fm Tasiilaq Ammasallik (NA-151, WFF OZFF-006); HF; CW SSB RTTY
2010 Oct22 2010 Nov01 Sable I CY0 N0TG N0TG
20100215 By WA4DAN AA4VK N0TG AI5P as TBD; OQRS to be available
2010 Oct25 2010 Nov01 Senegal 6V7T F5RAV F5RAV
20100411 By F5RAV
2010 Oct26 2010 Nov02 St Pierre & Miquelon FP LotW KV1J
20100507 By KV1J as FP/KV1J fm Miquelon I; 160-6m; SSB CW RTTY PSK31 + AO-51; QSL also OK via KV1J, Buro or direct
2010 Nov01 2010 Nov15 Vanuatu YJ0HA LotW HA0HW
20100502 By HA5UK HA5AO fm Efate I (OC-035); 160-10m; CW SSB RTTY PSK SSTV; QSL also OK via HA5UK, Buro or direct
2010 Nov17 2010 Dec01 Palmyra Jarvis Is N5E TBA DXW.Net
20100426 By 25 ops fm Jarvis I; 160-6m; CW SSB RTTY; dates tentative; QRV for CQWW DX CW
2010 Nov19 2010 Dec05 Kermadec I ZL8X OQRS DXW.Net
20100215 By DJ5IW DJ7EO DJ9RR DK1II DL1MGB DL3DXX DL5CW DL5LYM DL5XL DL6FBL DL8OH DL8LAS SP5XVY; 160-10m; CW SSB RTTY; 7 QRO stns; online QSL request system