Icom will be releasing new firmware for our IC-705, IC-7300 and IC-9700 transceivers.
The updates are planned to improve the user experience and incorporate communication modes such as FT8.
The firmware is due to be released around the end of January 2021 starting with the IC-705 and followed shortly by versions for the IC-7300 and IC-9700. The updates will be available as free downloads from the following web address:
www.icomjapan.com/support/firmware_driver
Planned updates include
• One-touch FT8 mode preset
• Scroll mode automatically keeps the operating signal within the scope range
• Multi-function dial items have been improved (New for IC-7300 and IC-9700)
• Compatible with the AH-705 antenna tuner (for IC-705)
• WLAN (Access point) function is added (for IC-705)
• Other updates are planned for each model
Icom also plans to update the RS-BA1 Ver2, CS-705 and the CS-9700 programming software.
To keep up to date with all Icom news, follow Icom UK’s  social media channels  or  sign up to their Newsletter . New Firmware Icom Updates for the IC-705, IC-7300, IC-9700 to include Smoother FT8 Mode Operation
Icom will be releasing new firmware for our IC-705, IC-7300 and IC-9700 transceivers. The updates are planned to improve the user experience and incorporate communication modes such as FT8.
The firmware is due to be released around the end of January 2021 starting with the IC-705 and followed shortly by versions for the IC-7300 and IC-9700. The updates will be available as free downloads from the following web address:
www.icomjapan.com/support/firmware_driver
Planned updates include
• One-touch FT8 mode preset
• Scroll mode automatically keeps the operating signal within the scope range
• Multi-function dial items have been improved (New for IC-7300 and IC-9700)
• Compatible with the AH-705 antenna tuner (for IC-705)
• WLAN (Access point) function is added (for IC-705)
• Other updates are planned for each model
Icom also plans to update the RS-BA1 Ver2, CS-705 and the CS-9700 programming software.
To keep up to date with all Icom news, follow Icom UK’s  social media channels  or  sign up to their Newsletter .

Well for you old salts no biggy, but for us newbies -  I used my new doublet tuned perfectly tonight thru my 7300 and using FT8 made 7 contacts to Japan! Quite pleased with my antenna,. it tuned just right on 17M. Made some contacts in Seattle too, the airways to the west were open.

No Mars contacts yet - working on it

From the ARRL weekly newsletter:

Contest University to Host Propagation Summit on January 23

Contest University (CTU) is holding a Virtual Propagation Summit on Saturday, January 23. The Zoom-platform event will get under way at 1600 UTC with introductory remarks from Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Ray Novak, N9JA.

· At 1605 UTC, Scott Jones, N3RA, and George Fremin, K5TR, will moderate a session titled “Update on the Personal Space Weather Station Project & HamSCI activities for 2021” with Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF.

· At 1700 UTC, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, will discuss “Solar Cycle 25 Predictions & Progress.”

· At 1800 UTC, Bill Fehring, W9KKN, and Marty Sullaway, NN1C, will moderate a session, “Maximizing Performance of HF Antennas with Irregular Terrain,” with Jim Breakall, WA3FET.

· At 1900, the pair will moderate a presentation, “HF Propagation: What to Expect During the Rising Years of Solar Cycle 25,” with Frank Donovan, W3LPL.

A drawing for an Icom IC-705 transceiver will be held. The winner must be present on Zoom in order to win. Visit the 2021 Propagation Summit registration page (https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dfLv...OWd_C7_puw) to sign up. Additional information will be posted on the CTU website (https://www.contestuniversity.com/).  Thanks to CTU Chair Tim Duffy, K3LR


73
Dave, VE3WI

Objective: To develop a technique for reliably transmitting electronic mail over radio.

Purpose: In the event of a localized failure of the Internet an email could be sent by radio to an area where Internet is available and then forwarded through the Internet to its intended destination. Email traffic sent could be text, a spreadsheet or an image.

Introduction: There are three principal methods of sending email traffic over radio in the Amateur Radio Service:

1. Winlink
   
2. PSK Mail
   
3. NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Message Service)
   

VA3KOT John Owen Sound VHF NCS VEOSR
KO4DXQ Bob Tennessee
VA3EZN Jim Aurora
VE3DGY Doug Annan
VE3BQM Bernie Owen Sound
VE3RQY Greg Owen Sound
VE3WI Dave Port Elgin

VA3KOT John Owen Sound HF NCS 3779KHz
VE3BQM Bernie Owen Sound
VA3TS Tom Shallow Lake
VE3RQY Greg Owen Sound
VE3DGY Doug Owen Sound

I came across a fascinating account of operating equipment, procedures and propagation between the Allied base radio stations in England and resistance fighters in France during World War 2.

Using low powered suitcase rigs and severely compromised wire antennas, resistance wireless operators had to send and receive vital traffic while at risk of being detected and apprehended by the enemy. Radio experts had only rudimentary knowledge of ionospheric skywave propagation yet managed to work out a set of frequencies to use at different times of day between operators just across the English Channel in Calais and hundreds of miles away in Marseille.

One thing that stood out for me was the system of variable 3-letter callsigns designed to confuse the enemy, yet still identify exactly which station was calling or being called.

I can't attach the article because the file size is too large for this forum so I have provided a link to the original source which was published by QRPARCI this morning. If you share my passion for WW2 radio operations or you have a general interest in propagation studies, you will enjoy reading it.

https://www.ab4oj.com/dl/misc/b2_rb0809.pdf

This is what I have, make one for 80m, tune 160 to 10 .... 3db gain if you an get it up the magic 1/2 wavelength.. should be easy to do on 40...bonus of 3db gain broadside    ...73

https://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio/428/dou...pp-antenna

I would like to thank Marvin VE3VCG for alerting me to an unusual bulletin issued on Sunday by the FCC. It essentially reminds radio amateurs not to use their equipment for illegal purposes. I have attached the FCC document to this post.

It has been reported that essential radiocommunications within Washington are being jammed. As we all know, the inauguration of President Biden is due to take place on Wednesday 20th January. The authorities have put extraordinary security measures in place including 25,000 troops, razor wire around essential buildings and a security lockdown of the entire city.

If the FCC bulletin is suggesting that amateur radio equipment is involved in the jamming of communications we should all be very vigilant in not contributing to any discussion of US politics on the air. Such discussion could lead to suspension or cancellation of our licences. Although we all hope that no such suspension will take place it should be pointed that it did happen during World War 2 to protect national security.

Let us all hope that this is an over-reaction by security services and that Wednesday will pass peacefully and ham radio will continue to be a friendly, harmless hobby.

Attached Files

  DA-21-73A1.pdf (Size: 99.8 KB / Downloads: 2)