Two years ago KA0LDG made a presentation titled RF Exposure Evaluation for Amateur Radio Operators (PDF and Powerpoint versions are available in the Training and Education | Presentations folder on the RRRA Groupsware server) in anticipation of the updated FCC RF exposure rules.

This week ARRL reports in ARRL General Bulletin ARLB011 (2021) and the Updated Radio Frequency Exposure Rules Become Effective on May 3 News story:

The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE) limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur radio, be evaluated against existing limits, unless they are exempted. For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May 3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing station modified in a way that’s likely to change its RFE profile—such as different antenna or placement or greater power—will need to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change. ¹

In his Welcome to Cycle 25 article (a free preview from the April 2021 issue of QST Magazine), Steve Ford, WB8IMY, discusses the new solar cycle that is under way and how it is having a positive effect on HF band conditions.

From ARRL News:

The WSJT Development Group has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X Version 2.3.0. A summary of new features can be found in the WSJT-X 2.3 User Guide.

Australian Amateur Radio Operator VK3YE presents a novel audio oscillator design on his YouTube channel. It’s an easy to build, low parts count, project; weatherproofing considerations are left to the builder.

“The White House and US Department of Defense (DOD) have revealed that the 3.45-3.55 GHz band will be made available for 5G, a move that has been welcomed by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.” ¹ This reallocation is a 25% loss of 9cm band spectrum to our hobby.