PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
I just read that the ARRL is moving forward with a program to reimburse
the $35 license application fee for candidates younger than18 years old.
In addition, this group would enjoy a reduced exam session fee of $5.
The goals of the program “…include expanding the reservoir of
trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts within the
amateur radio community, and removing a financial obstacle to young
people who wish to acquire an amateur radio license…” At first blush
it sounds like a good idea. But digging into the details results in a
rather different picture. If the fees really are a “financial
obstacle,” where are the teeming hordes of economically challenged youth
flocking to VE sessions now before the fees go into effect? Why does
the League think it’s a good idea to expand their function to include
processing financial transactions? How can the League justify providing
a financial benefit to a subgroup of the general population solely on
the basis of age? If youth applicants are deemed more valuable to
amateur radio, then shouldn’t mature applicants be required to pay more?
Far fetched? I don’t think so. At one time the League had a category
of membership for seniors with a reduced rate. When they did away with
that benefit they in effect raised the cost of membership of a group
solely on the basis of age. This whole idea sounds more like something
coming out of Washington, not Newington.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported solar activity was very low during the 24 hour period
ending yesterday at 5 p.m. local. There are four NOAA reported numbered
sunspot regions on the Sun facing Earth this morning, all are mostly
quiet. Although the Prediction Center expects solar activity to be very
low through Wednesday there is a chance for C-class flares each day. On
Sunday the observed Solar Flux Index (SFI) at Penticton was 94. (Last
Sunday it was 89.) The index is predicted to measure 90 today, tomorrow,
and on Wednesday. This Monday, the SFI 90 day trailing average increased
by one to 80, very promising.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled yesterday. NOAA
expects conditions to be quiet to unsettled today, quiet on Tuesday and
Wednesday. The estimated Kp-index of 1 reported at 5 a.m. local this
morning reflects our current very quiet geomagnetic conditions.
We can expect fair daytime and good nighttime operating conditions today
on 80 and 40 meters, good on 30 and 20, fair on 17 and 15, and poor on
the higher bands. The VHF bands have been mostly quiet for the past week.
For an explanation of the numbers used in our PARSgram, see the
excellent article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
DX NEWS
Extracted from the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1530, KB8NW editor–
In recent news this week are Conway Reef, 3D2/C, and Bouvet Island,
3Y/B. The Rebel DX Group is putting a one man operation, 3D2CR, on
Conway Reef in about three weeks time. His length of stay was not
indicated nor any other details. It is part of the Group’s preparations
for their December, 2021, DXpedition to Bouvet Island. Bouvet is #2 on
the DXCC’s most wanted list. Conway is #41. More info at http://www.3y0j.no
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
For listing in the PARSgram send me your amateur radio related items
that are for sale, trade, or wanted. PLEASE let me know when you have
have sold your item or your listing is no longer needed. Listings will
EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
* For Sale. SCS PTC-IIex Modem licensed with PACTOR III. This modem
functions as it should and comes with the installation guide, the USB to
RS232 cable and the CD. This modem was recently in use on my IC-7300,
until I upgraded. In very good condition and works great. The 9095 cable
available from Farallon Electronics or HRO. $550. Bruce, K4ONC@aol.com,
252-626-2730 (20210719)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Sep 25, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X,
252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
* Oct 30, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X,
252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew/ARES, 7:30
pm, Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our Web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.com
PARS YOUTUBE CHANNEL–N4PRS RADIO
Videos of recorded PARS Meetings, presentations, and club activities can
be viewed on on the N4PRS Radio YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEMfxc7PQixT0rr5xEKtyQ
Have a great Labor Day holiday…
73, Jim AI4WL
——
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