Red River Radio Amateurs

Having the ability to experiment with operating your equipment in new ways is an aspect of Amateur Radio which sets our hobby apart from radio services such as CBRS, GMRS, FRS, and MURS.

In his Enjoy FT8 From Almost Anywhere article (a free preview from the August 2019 issue of QST Magazine), J. Robert Witmer, W3RW, writes:

Imagine hunting 6-meter DX at a restaurant while eating breakfast, or making an all-time new DX contact while waiting for a flight. I’ve found myself operating remotely in these types of situations, and many others, using nothing more than my smart phone. If you think this type of operating is complicated and expensive, prepare to be surprised!¹

Following the direction of the ARRL Board of Directors, ARRL has incorporated changes to the rules for all ARRL-sponsored contests and DXCC, prohibiting automated contacts. These changes also apply to the Worked All States (including Triple Play and 5-Band WAS), VHF/UHF Century Club, and Fred Fish, W5FF, Memorial awards. The changes are effective immediately.¹

The Doctor separates myth from fact about The Legendary G5RV Antenna in this episode of the

• ARRL The Doctor is in podcast.

Everyone driving in the State of Minnesota is reminded amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 169.011, subdivision 94; 169.475 USE OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, enacted by HF50, took effect August 1, 2019.

These amended statutes are popularly known as the Minnesota Hands Free Law.

Drivers are encouraged to review the amended statutes and familiarize themselves with definitions, prohibition on use, penalty, and exceptions in 169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE and the Amateur Radio exception in Subd. 94. Wireless communications device.

Amateur Radio Operators engaged in mobile operation in the State of Minnesota should consider carrying two documents which may be useful in the event they are stopped for potentially violating the Minnesota Hands Free Law.

Learn about the differences between Noise Blankers and Noise Reduction in this episode of the

• ARRL The Doctor is in podcast.