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PY2BIL > ARNR 01.05.26 16:00l 399 Lines 17509 Bytes #291 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2531 for Friday, May 1st
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2531 for Friday, May 1st, 2026
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2531 with a release date of Friday,
May 1st, 2026 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Special recognition for DXpeditions featuring
remote stations. Mysteries of radio revealed to students in Pakistan
-- and a warm reception by Japanese hams for 70 years of Antarctic research.
All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2531 comes
your way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
HONORS FOR DXPEDITIONS FEATURING REMOTE ACTIVATIONS
NEIL/ANCHOR: Our top story this week recognizes the increasing popularity
of remote activations as integral parts of DXpeditions. Kevin Trotman
N5PRE tells us about two such recent radio adventures being honored.
KEVIN: Two recent DXpeditions that featured remote radio operations
have been recognized by the Northern California DX Foundation, which
is presenting both activations with the DXcellence Award, now in its
fifth year.
The criteria included the DXpedition's complexity, its impact on its
"Most Wanted" ranking on ClubLog and, of course, overall performance.
The foundation's board of directors chose the KP5/NP3VI Desecheo DXpedition
and the PJ6Y Youth DXpedition to Saba Island. Both adventures included
remote radio operations. The KP5 operation was 100 percent remote as
well as being solar powered. The team's media officer, Steve N2AJ, said
in a press release that having the first fully solar-powered, fully
remote DXpedition was a "groundbreaking achievement" adding that [quote]
"advanced technology and careful planning can deliver the world-class
results while maintaining an exceptionally low environmental footprint."
[endquote] The team of operators was required to follow strict guidelines
from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to ensure a minimal impact on the
environment. That means no generators, no amplifiers and no traditional
beam antennas.
The PJ6Y Youth DXpedition was chosen for its involvement of young operators
from around the world who spent two weeks on the island of Saba. This
more traditional style activation featured some first-time DXpeditioners.
It was supplemented with radios operated remotely by as many as 30 young
amateurs from around the world. The technically complex arrangement
was considered a success on many levels, most especially as an investment
in the future of amateur radio for the next generation.
This is Kevin Trotman N5PRE.
(DX-WORLD.NET)
**
HAM RADIO LESSONS PREPARE STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN FOR ADVENTURE
NEIL/ANCHOR: Students on a university campus in Karachi, Pakistan were
looking for a lesson that would blend history with modern technology
- and they found it in amateur radio. John Williams VK4JJW picks up
the story from here.
JOHN: When the Science Society at Sindh Madressatul Islam University
in Karachi, Pakistan, called CQ, it was only natural that amateur radio
responded. Between 45 and 50 students from various arts and science
disciplines received a history lesson about amateur radio and hands-on
instruction on how radio can help save lives.
At the students' invitation, Muhammad Salman AP2MS, a regional coordinator
for the Pakistan Amateur Radio Society, visited the school on the 25th
of April with a number of other hams to give a introduction to amateur
radio and engage the students in field demonstrations using repeaters
and later, DMR, to talk to one another.
He then showed everyone how to operate, dividing students into groups
with the help of fellow hams, Kashif AP2KM and Rehan AP2DDC, along with
SWL members Ahmad Feroz and Dewan Shahid.
Muhammad told Newsline in an email: [quote] "They were surprised to
know that a 100-year-old technology still has impact." [endquote]
The response was strong and positive - so much so that the hams will
return to conduct a field day on VHF and HF in a remote area. The hams
will demonstrate how copper wires can be transformed into antennas and
how stations can be quickly established in emergencies.
Muhammad told Newsline: [quote] "We received a very good response from
students. Many showed their interest to join the Pakistan Amateur Radio
Society as SWL to start their Ham Radio journey." [endquote]
This is John Williams VK4JJW.
(MUHAMMAD SALMAN, AP2MS; QRZ.COM)
**
SILENT KEY: ENNIO TONON, IØFHZ, LEADER, MENTOR FOR ARI
NEIL/ANCHOR: Hams in Italy are mourning the loss of a longtime radio
amateur and a leader within the community during his rich, full life.
We hear more about him from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: During the many decades that followed his entry into ham radio,
Ennio Tonon, IØFHZ, became a well-known presence on VHF, UHF and even
SHF, taking part in contests, presenting at technical symposia and eventually
rising to leadership within the ranks of the ARI, Italy's national amateur
radio society. Ennio, who had served as president of ARI's section in
Orvieto, became a Silent Key on the 17th of April.
A Facebook post, translated from Italian, announcing his death ,called
his passing [quote] "a great loss for the entire Italian radio amateur
community, a community which recognized in him not only a skilled operator,
but a reference point â€ö a steady signal in a world that often fades
into noise." [endquote] His leadership was praised for taking diverse
groups of newcomers and experienced operators and creating a community
from them.
Ennio's death came just a few days short of what would have been his
102nd birthday in May.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(FACEBOOK, GIORGIO LACONI, IZ3KVD; MASSIMO BIOLCATI I4YH)
**
AMSAT'S CUBESAT UPDATES AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE
NEIL/ANCHOR: If you weren't able to attend the 23rd annual CubeSat Developers
Workshop held in early April in California, you can still catch up with
an important presentation about amateur radio in space, delivered by
AMSAT president Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA.
Drew gave a progress report on the 3U CubeSat project known as the GOLF-TEE
mission. GOLF-TEE is expected to carry a 30 kHz wide linear transponder
for ham radio communications as well as a 10 GHz high-speed experimental
downlink and improved three-axis attitude control. This project is targeted
for completion by early next year. He also provided an update on the
Fox-Plus series of CubeSats, which blend commercial hardware with radio
payloads developed by AMSAT.
.
To see the presentation, visit the link that appears in the text version
of this week's report at arnewsline.org
[DO NOT READ: www.youtube.com/live/p5GHRMOr8tk ]
(AMSAT NEWS)
**
SPECIAL EVENTS IN CANADA HIGHLIGHT PUBLIC SAFETY
NEIL/ANCHOR: May is an important month for hams in Canada, who are using
their radios to applaud - and to thank - the men and women who help
safeguard members of the public. Andy Morrison K9AWM tells us how to
listen for them on the air.
ANDY: In Canada, two special events in May are designed to be public-service
events too. Hams have organized VB3COPS during Police Services Week
and VB3EMS during Paramedic Services Week, also known as Emergency Medical
Services Week. Although both events are about getting on the air, there's
a lot more to them than just the QSOs.
Between May 10th and 16th, a group of amateurs in southwest Ontario
will be calling CQ as VB3COPS as a thank-you to the police for the various
services they provide. This coincides with National Police Week, a campaign
that began in 1970 in Canada, when those in police services also showcase
their different responsibilities.
Then from May 17th through to the 23rd, hams using the callsign VB3EMS
will honour first responders for their work and remind chasers of some
basic safety tips, such as the need to know your blood type, your allergies,
your emergency contacts and how to perform CPR - among many other important
points.
For details, frequencies and operating modes, see the QRZ.com pages
for these stations.
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(DAVID, VE3KGK)
**
NOMINATION DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR
NEIL/ANCHOR: Time is growing short to nominate a promising young radio
amateur for the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial
Young Ham of the Year award. So don't forget: You only have until the
31st of May -- and it is coming up fast! Nominees must be licensed hams
who are 18 years of age or younger and they must reside in the continental
United States.
Visit our website – arnewsline-dot-org and find the nomination form
under the awards tab. Submit the documentation that tells us how your
nominee has played an important role, not just in the community of fellow
amateurs but in the community at large.
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
the J88CU repeater Fridays at 6:30 p.m. local time in Kingstown, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines.
**
HAMLIB CHOSEN FOR 2026 AMATEUR RADIO SOFTWARE AWARD
NEIL/ANCHOR: Hamlib, a reliable amateur radio tool for more than 25
years, has been chosen to receive this year's Amateur Radio Software
Award. Sel Embee KB3TZD has those details.
SEL: The Amateur Radio Software Award committee has recognized the Hamlib
project for reliably providing a means for amateur radio software applications
to connect with controllable devices such as radios, amplifiers and
rotators. The international team of core developers were praised for
keeping Hamlib current in a dynamic world that regularly introduces
new amateur radio applications.
Hamlib's core team is Nate Bargmann, NØNB, Daniele Forsi, IU5HKX, George
Baltz, N3GB, and Mikael Nousiainen, OH3BHX.
The software award website notes that [quote] "despite its age, the
project remains actively maintained, with new radios and devices added
regularly. Hamlib continues to be the go-to library for both established
and emerging amateur radio applications." [endquote] Hamlib abstracts
many of the serial, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces that allow
software-based control, enabling interaction with shack equipment for
the use of Fldigi, JS8Call, WSJT-X and other widely use applications.
Earlier developers included founder Frank Singleton, VK4FCS, Stéphane
Fillod, F8CFE and Mike Black, W9MDB, now a Silent Key.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(AMATEUR RADIO SOFTWARE AWARD)
**
RAC SEEKS EDITOR FOR CANADIAN AMATEUR MAGAZINE
NEIL/ANCHOR: The Canadian Amateur, which is published by the Radio Amateurs
of Canada, is looking for a new editor. Graham Kemp VK4BB tells us what
the job requires.
GRAHAM: Alan Griffin, the current editor of The Canadian Amateur, the
Radio Amateurs of Canada magazine, is retiring. The RAC is in search
of someone to step into the role at the membership journal, which is
published in print and digital versions six times a year.
Candidates should be experienced in the publishing, journalism or communications
field and be familiar with desktop publishing software and the use of
AI tools for writing. The editor is also responsible for the magazine's
design and its content, which should be a balance of historical, technical,
operating and community-focused topics. Content should also reflect
the RAC's priorities.
The editor will also coordinate with advertisers and sponsors and manage
the placement of ads within the magazine.
This is a contract position that requires oversight of the editorial
content and management of the full production cycle.
The application deadline is May 15th. Interested candidates can send
a resume, a cover letter and work samples to the RAC office manager,
Adam MacDonell, at the email address in the text version of this week's
newscast at arnewsline.org
[DO NOT READ: racgm@rac.ca ]
This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.
(RAC, GEORGE DEWAR, VY2GF)
**
INCREASED RECOGNITION FOR YOUTH ON DXPEDITIONS
NEIL/ANCHOR: Members of the next generation of amateur radio operators
are stepping up to share their vision. Ralph Squillace KK6ITB explains
what that will mean for the future.
RALPH: Two young amateurs who are already experienced DXers and DXpeditioners
have been given the responsibility of helping guide support for future
DXpeditions to top entities around the world. Violetta Latham, KN2P,
and Max Freedman, N4ML, are now among the panel of directors who will
oversee ways the private Northern California DX Foundation can provide
financial support to those teams.
Violetta's earliest DXpeditions include the Dave Kalter Memorial Youth
DX Adventure in Curacao in 2018. According to her page on QRZ.com, she
is scheduled to be part of the ZK3 team going to Tokelau in the South
Pacific in November of this year and to South Georgia for the VPØSG
DXpedition in March of 2027. Max's recent DXpeditions include this year's
3YØK activation of Bouvet Island, where he was the youngest member of
the team, and his activation in Curacao as PJ2/N4ML.
Their selection underscores the importance of bringing younger hams
into the DXpedition universe.
At the same meeting held on the 20th of April, the board accepted the
resignation of George Wallner, AA7JV, who has been a leading proponent
in developing Radio-in-a-Box technology for the DX community. His replacement
is Gregg Marco, W6IZT, who has developed a Next Generation Radio-in-a-Box
system that has been enabling more young hams around the world to become
involved in DXpeditions via remote access. He has also led DXpedition
teams that included young amateurs.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(425 DX BULLETIN)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, the Emirates Amateur Radio Society will be on the
air through to the 31st of May as part of the national pride campaign
known as "Proud of UAE." The main callsign is A6ØPE although some operators
may add /Ø, /1 and other numerals to the suffix.
Harry, JG7PSJ is operating through to the 4th of May as JD1BMH from
the Ogasawara Islands, IOTA Number AS-031. Listen on 40-10m where he
will be using CW, SSB and RTTY.
The Antwerp Port Contest Club is using the callsign OT26EPIC to promote
the Antwerp Port Epic Cycling Race. The club is on the air and will
finish their activation on race day, which is the 25th of May.
Listen for Holger, ZL3IO, operating as ZL7IO from Waitangi, Chatham
Islands, IOTA Number OC-038 from the 25th of May through to the 3rd
of June. He will be operating CW, SSB and digital on 160-10m. Holger
will also participate in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest.
For QSL and other operating details, see each station's listing on QRZ.com.
(425 DX BULLETIN, DX WORLD)
**
KICKER: JAPANESE AMATEURS GIVE WARM RECEPTION TO ANTARCTIC RESEARCH
NEIL/ANCHOR: Japan began its earliest research into the Antarctic region
in January of 1957 at a location on East Ongul Island - a facility that
eventually expanded to become a global hub for atmospheric research.
This enduring effort by the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition is about
to be celebrated widely throughout Japan, as Jim Meachen ZL2BHF tells
us in this week's final report.
JIM: Four kilometres off the Antarctic mainland on East Ongul Island,
the research facility known as Showa Station stands as the starting
point where researchers from Japan long ago began unlocking the various
mysteries of the atmosphere, including studies of the ozone layer. The
station has since become a resource for the Japan Meteorological Agency,
the National Institute of Polar Research and other organisations --
and at any given time, 30 researchers are engaged in observations and
analysis. The facility is even home to a ham radio club station of the
Japan Amateur Radio League, and members of the Japanese Antarctic Research
Expedition team call QRZ using the callsign 8J1RL.
Starting this month and through to next January, the amateur radio action
shifts north to Japan itself, where a different callsign is the one
to listen for. Hams throughout Japan will be calling CQ as 8J7ØJARE.
staring on the 22nd of May. Hams - who know well the importance of understanding
the atmosphere - are paying tribute to the expedition's 70th anniversary
and the team's establishment of this important research site. The on-air
tribute will continue through to the 29th of January, 2027 - the date
that marks the station's 70th anniversary.
This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
(JAPAN ANTARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION; JAPAN.GOV)
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Amateur Radio Daily, Amateur Radio Software Award; AMSAT
News; ARDC; ARI; David Behar, K7DB; David, VE3KGK; DX World; Facebook;
FCC; 425DX News; George Dewar, VY2GF; Giorgio Laconi, IZ3KVD; Japan
Antarctic Research Expedition; Japan.Gov; Massimo Biolcati, I4YH; Muhammad
Salman, AP2MS; Radio Amateurs of Canada; shortwaveradio.de; Wireless
Institute of Australia; and you our listeners, that's all from the
Amateur Radio Newsline. We remind our listeners that Amateur Radio Newsline
is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that incurs expenses for
its continued operation. If you wish to support us, please visit our
website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate you all. We also
remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please leave us
a 5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us.
For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York,
and our news team worldwide, I'm Neil Rapp WB9VPG in Union Kentucky
saying 73. As always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm)
is Copyright 2026. Amateur Radio Newsline retains ownership of its material
even when retransmitted elsewhere. All rights are reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
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