The ARRL Letter for April 30, 2026 undefined

 

 

 

The ARRL Letter

 

, Editor | April 30, 2026

 

In this Issue:

 

FCC Approves Limited Emergency Use of 70 cm Band by AST SpaceMobile Satellites Outside the US

On April 21, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted AST SpaceMobile limited authorization when not over the United States to use five 50-kHz channels in the 430–440 MHz secondary amateur band for emergency Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) operations for its planned satellite constellation (). The authorization applies only for communication with five specified earth stations, each located well outside of the United States and for which the foreign administration with jurisdiction also must separately authorize the communications.

 

More than 2,500 comments were filed during the proceeding including filings from and other member societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (), AMSAT, and individual radio amateurs worldwide.

 

After considering the filed comments, the FCC narrowed the requested authorization to emergency TT&C only and further provided that:

 

  • Use of these frequencies is permitted only in emergencies when no other spectrum is available
  • Each emergency event is limited to no more than 24 hours
  • Transmissions are restricted to five specific center frequencies (430.5, 432.3, 434.1, 435.9, and 439.5 MHz), each with no more than 50 kHz bandwidth

In an April 29, 2026 , the IARU expressed concern with the FCC’s use of Article 4.4 of the ITU Radio Regulations, which allows administrations to authorize non-standard frequency use under certain conditions. The IARU stated that other frequency bands allocated for satellite TT&C should have been used instead of amateur spectrum and encouraged amateurs to report any interference to their national regulators.

 

ARRL filed comments (see ) in July () and August 2025 () opposing the application, arguing that:

 

  • The request represented an unprecedented use of secondary amateur spectrum for an unallocated use by a large commercial satellite constellation
  • Such operations could cause harmful interference, particularly to amateur satellites in the 435–438 MHz subband
  • The FCC should avoid authorizing non-allocated uses that could impact primary allocations for amateur services in other countries

While the FCC ultimately granted the authorization, it imposed the above significant limitations in response to these concerns that reduce the likelihood of interference.

 

In the US, reports of suspected interference to amateur spectrum can be shared with the ARRL Regulatory Information Manager, email .

 

ARRL will oppose any similar unallocated uses of spectrum used by amateurs that might cause harmful interference to amateur services and in particular will monitor this situation.

 

Texas Emergency Management Conference

The State of Texas is planning, and registration is open for, one of the largest emergency management conferences in the country. The runs for three-and-a-half-days, May 26 – 29, 2026, in Fort Worth. Last year there were 4,200 attendees from 45 states and 6 countries. Organizers say the multi-day educational event provides an unparalleled opportunity to foster collaboration among professionals, showcases innovative technology, and shares insights that advance emergency management in Texas. Amateur radio is involved!

 

ARRL West Gulf Division Vice Director Lee Cooper, W5LHC, is in charge of setting up a booth for the event and says it’s about connections. “Right...all about connections and contact. We can meet people from all over Texas and, in some cases, from out of the country,” said Cooper. “We can answer questions about amateur radio help, demonstrate what we do and how we work during disasters and emergences.” Cooper said just knowing who to contact, what agency can best provide the help you need, can save valuable time for all emergency situations.

 

The ARRL West Gulf Division will have a working amateur radio setup at the conference and will also encourage and inform visitors about how they can begin the process of obtaining a license and getting on the air. Over this past year, 250 Texas government employees now have their amateur licenses.

 

Registration information is available at .

 

 

2025 Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Winners Awarded

Dr. Nathaniel A. Frissell, W2NAF

The ARRL Foundation’s 2025 has been awarded to Dr. Ethan Miller, K8GU, and Dr. Nathaniel A. Frissell, W2NAF, for their August 2025 QST article, “About Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances.”

 

The editors of QST nominated Miller and Frissell in August 2025, the ARRL Foundation Board approved the awards in January 2026, and the award plaques were distributed to Dr. Miller and Dr. Frissell last week. The award is an annual honor presented by the ARRL Foundation to recognize outstanding technical writing in the amateur radio community.

 

“I was so excited and surprised to receive the Bill Orr award last week,” said Frissell. “It was a great honor, and one that means a lot to me. I am very glad to be able to contribute to QST in this way. It is very exciting for me to have the opportunity to share my research work with my fellow amateurs.”

 

Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, is an Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering at The University of Scranton. He founded and now leads the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) citizen science collective and is the advisor for the W3USR University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club. He is a winner of the 2017 Yasme Foundation Excellence award, the 2019 Dayton Amateur Radio Association Amateur of the Year Award, a 2021 inductee into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, and is the recipient of the Orlando HamCation® 2026 Carole Perry Educator of the Year award.

 

Dr. Ethan Miller, K8GU

Dr. Ethan Miller, K8GU, earned his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and has been an amateur radio operator since he was a teenager. He has been involved in HamSCI since its beginning and currently works for a national security technology company.

 

“I'm honored and humbled to receive the Bill Orr Award,” said Miller. “It's rewarding to be part of a long line of authors of ARRL publications from whom I've learned so much in my ham career.”

 

William I. Orr, W6SAI, was an engineer, educator, and communicator of extraordinary ability. Over a period of 40 years, he wrote and edited scores of technical books and articles of interest to amateur radio enthusiasts. His topics ranged from basic electronic theory to microwave communications and the theory, design, construction, and magic of antennas. Whether explaining electronic theory or the intricacies of a microwave amplifier for EME communications, Bill had the ability to use a simple, plain language. He wrote about technical subjects in a way that naturally attracted amateurs who had an interest in the topic but lacked a technical background in the area. [Photos courtesy of the award winners]

 

 

Free ARRL Events App Now Live for 2026 Dayton Hamvention®

Make the most of your time at Dayton Hamvention® with the free . Hamvention is the world's largest annual gathering of radio amateurs, and will be held May 15 – 17 in Xenia, Ohio. There is a lot to do and see. Use the ARRL Events app to make sure you don’t miss a beat and plan out your visit now.

 

The app includes Hamvention’s full program, so you can browse and schedule forums, preview the extensive list of exhibitors, and find affiliated events. During the event, attendees can use other app features to follow the hourly prize drawings conducted by the Dayton Hamvention Prize Committee and browse building and site maps.

 

Those going are also encouraged to tap on the MyProfile icon in the app to add their name and call sign, email address, and any additional information they would like to share with other Hamvention guests. The MyBadge icon displays a QR code of your event badge that can be scanned by another attendee or exhibitor using the Scan Badge icon – instantly connecting shared contact information with other hams at the event.

 

The app is available for and smart devices. You may also access the , which is optimized for nearly any browser or other type of mobile device.

 

Download the app at (or use the ).

 

For more information about 2026 Hamvention, visit .

 

 

New Book Release: Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio

Ever wanted to operate amateur radio satellites but felt intimidated by tracking the “birds” or unsure about the equipment needed? ARRL’s new book, , is now shipping and shows just how approachable, exciting, and rewarding satellite communication can be.

 

Written by Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT, the book offers a clear step-by-step path into the world of amateur satellite operation. It begins with the fundamentals of listening to satellite passes and demonstrates how even a basic handheld radio can be enough to get started. From there, readers are guided through making their first satellite contact, with practical tips that build confidence quickly.

 

“I’ve learned so much from the satellite community, and this book is my way of passing that along to others,” said Milluzzi. “I hope it helps a ham who has always been curious about satellites take those first steps to get on the air.”

 

Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT, author of Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio, working a satellite during a portable operation using a modified “LID stick” Arrow antenna.

Beyond the basics, Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio provides in-depth coverage for more experienced operators. Topics include digital modes such as FT4 and D-STAR®, as well as roving, award-chasing, and advanced operating techniques. The book also explores antenna options, modern tracking tools, and mobile apps, plus ways to engage with the amateur satellite community.

 

Whether you’re just getting started or building on existing skills, Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio provides the tools and knowledge you need to get on the air and point your antenna toward the sky.

 

This book pairs perfectly with the , ideal for making satellite contacts and receiving signals from weather satellites.

 

Satellite Operating for Amateur Radio is now shipping. Order from the ARRL or through an ARRL . ARRL Item No. 2363, ISBN: 978-1-62595-236-3, $22.95 ARRL member price, $25.95 retail.

 

For additional information or to place an order, call 1-888-277-5289 (toll-free in the US), Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 7 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. Outside the US, call (860) 594-0200.

 

 

Amateur Radio in the News

“” / Tribune Enterprise (Wisconsin) April 25, 2026 -- The Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club.

 

 

ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

On the Air LIVE

 

Join ARRL's Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he takes amateur radio to the final frontier! In this session of On the Air Live, we will explore how to make contacts through amateur radio satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) using portable equipment. We’ll dive into the essential gear—including handheld radios and directional antennas—and discuss the techniques needed for successful space-based communication. Plus, he'll show you how to use computer and smartphone apps to accurately track satellite passes in your specific area. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned operator, tune in to learn how to work "the birds" right from your own backyard!

 

The session will air on the ARRL'S learning center, , on May 26th at 8pm Eastern. Preregistration is required and can be accomplished on the learning center.

 

📅 Date: May 26, 2026

🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

👉 | ⏪

 

 

ARRL Audio News

Listen to , available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews and other features. | | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

 

 

On the Air

Sponsored by Icom

 

Journey to a Hamfest

Brian D. Karcher, KG5GJT, joins the podcast in support of his March/April 2026 On the Air article, “Journey to a Hamfest.” If you haven’t been to a hamfest or ham radio convention yet, listen in to find out what to expect — from operating, to shopping, to meeting old friends and making new ones! | | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

 

Announcements

The US Naval Academy Amateur Radio Club, W3ADO, will participate in the Department of Defense’s on May 9, 2026. Several Naval Academy midshipmen and members of the (PVRC), including team leader Frank Donovan, W3LPL, will be operating on the grounds of the former US Navy radio transmitting facility in Annapolis, Maryland. They’ll activate the historic NSS call sign during the Crossband Test. See for more details about the AFD Crossband Test. PVRC is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

In Brief...

The is an annual international award to recognize software projects that enhance amateur radio. The award promotes amateur radio software developments which adhere to the same spirit as amateur radio itself: innovative, free, and open. The 2026 awards are presented to Nate Bargmann, NØNB; George Baltz, N3GB; Daniele Forsi, IU5HKX, and Mikael Nousiainen, OH3BHX, for their work on the Hamlib project. The project's purpose is to develop flexible and portable shared libraries that offer a standardized API to control any radio-oriented equipment through a computer interface. Special event station K7A will be in operation from Friday, November 27 - Monday, December 7, 2026, to promote innovative, free, and open amateur radio software as well as honoring the project and the 2026 award recipients as the current core developers. During the special event, amateur radio operators will be encouraged to submit nominations for the 2027 Amateur Radio Software Award.

 

The following America250 W1AW Portable Activations begin 0000z on Wednesdays, and end 2359z on Tuesdays (7 days total for each activation). See the complete schedule at .

 

04/29/2026 New Hampshire W1AW/1 (host KC1WNM)

04/29/2026 South Dakota W1AW/Ø (host KØBBC)

04/29/2026 Pennsylvania W1AW/3 (host WC3O)

05/06/2026 Maryland W1AW/3 (host K2EJ)

05/06/2026 Nevada W1AW/7 (host N0CSM)

05/06/2026 Ohio W1AW/8 (host K8ZT)

 

 

Open Positions at ARRL

Come join the headquarters staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®! We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:

 

Awards Program Supervisor

Membership Manager

RFI Lab Engineer

Public Relations and Outreach Manager

 

Full details may be found on the ARRL HR web page at .

 

ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

 

 

 

The ARRL Solar Report

Solar disk image courtesy of NASA/SDO, April 30, 2026

ARRL Solar Report for April 30, 2026

 

Solar activity has been at low levels with frequent C-class flaring observed primarily from Regions 4420 and 4425.

 

The largest flare of the period was a C5.1/Sf on April 29 from Region 4420. Region 4420 showed some slight decline in a real extent with flux submergence noted in the trailing spots, though rotation and consolidation in the leading spots persist and the region retains its delta configuration. Region 4425 showed some movement in the trailer spots with overall simplification, including loss of a delta spot. Slight growth was observed in Regions 4423 and 4424 with new flux emergence noted in both. Region 4428 exhibited growth with separation of the bipoles. Region 4427 remained an unremarkable unipolar spot in decay.

 

No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

 

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels (R1-R2, minor-moderate) April 30 – May 2 with a slight chance for X-class flares (R3-strong or greater) due primarily to the flare potential of regions 4420 and 4425.

 

Solar wind parameters were at near background levels throughout the period. Solar wind speeds steadily declined from around 355 km/s early in the period to near 310 km/s, with slight recovery to around 320 km/s by end of period.

 

Solar wind parameters are expected to remain at near nominal levels into April 30. The onset of a coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) was anticipated by midday April 30. Enhanced conditions are expected to persist through May 1, though confidence is moderate given the relatively small source coronal hole. A return to near nominal levels is expected by May 2.

 

The 10.7-centimeter flux: April 30 – May 1, 152; May 2, 148; May 3, 142; May 4 – 5, 140; May 6 - 8, 135.

 

Predicted sunspot numbers: April 30, 109; May 1, 109; May 2, 104; May 3, 116; May 4, 101; May 5, 119; May 6, 95.

 

For more information concerning radio propagation, the ARRL Technical Information Service, read , and check out the .

 

For customizable propagation charts, visit the .

 

 

Just Ahead in Radiosport

  • May 1 -- AGCW QRP/QRP Party (CW)
  • May 2 -- RCC Cup (CW, phone)
  • May 2 -- SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest and Club Challenge (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 2 -- Microwave Spring Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 2 - 3 -- ARI International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 2 - 3 -- F9AA Cup, PSK (digital)
  • May 2 - 3 -- 7th Call Area QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 2 - 3 -- Indiana QSO Party (CW, phone)
  • May 2 - 3 -- Delaware QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 2 - 3 -- New England QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 3 -- WAB 7 MHz Phone (phone)
  • May 4 - 5 -- MIE 33 Contest (CW, phone)
  • May 5 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
  • May 7 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (digital)
  • May 7 - 8 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
  • May 7 -- NRAU 10m Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
  • May 7 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
  • May 9 - 10 -- CQ-M International DX Contest (CW, phone)
  • May 9 - 10 -- VOLTA WW RTTY Contest (digital)
  • May 9 - 10 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
  • May 9 - 10 -- Canadian Prairies QSO Party (CW, phone)
  • May 9 - 10 -- 50 MHz Spring Sprint (CW, phone, digital)

 

Remember to visit the for more events and information.

 

 

Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

Remember to search the Database to find events in your area.

 

Save the Date

 

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