The ARRL Letter for June 25, 2026 undefined

 

 

 

The ARRL Letter

 

, Editor | June 25, 2026

 

In this Issue:

 

Ready...Set...Field Day!

You can feel the excitement in the air and soon it will be on the air...ARRL Field Day 2026!!

 

This year, ARRL Field Day is June 27 – 28 and runs from 1800 UTC Saturday through 2059 UTC Sunday and the theme is “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.” Amateur radio operators and amateur radio clubs throughout the Americas will participate in the event. They have been getting ready for months, scouting locations and getting ready to set up stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation.

 

Many states and cities have issued proclamations for Field Day 2026. A few days ago, Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, received its proclamation. Hormigueros City Director of Emergency Management Nelson Cruz made the presentation to ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager Carmen N. Greene, KP4QVQ.

 

 

Field Day is also on social media! Click to join the ARRL Field Day Facebook Group. Share your plans, tips, and tricks to a successful Field Day. Remember, when posting content from Field Day, use hashtag #ARRLFD on all social media to receive 100 bonus points!

 

Ohio Governor Michael DeWine issued a proclamation declaring June 27 – 28 as Amateur Radio Operators’ Appreciation Days.

 

In Gainesville, Florida, the Alachua County Commission proclaimed June 21 - 28 as Amateur Radio Week at its June 9 public meeting, noting that Amateur Radio Week leads up to the largest annual emergency communications exercise of the nation, “Field Day.”

 

For hams, no changes have been made to the rules in the past year and the goal is still simple: Work as many stations as possible on the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15- and 10-meter HF bands, as well as all bands 50 MHz and above, and in doing so to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less-than-optimal conditions. A premium is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general public with the capabilities of amateur radio.

 

Alachua County Commissioner Anna Prizzia (far left) and Interim Fire Chief Jeff Taylor present the Amateur Radio Week Proclamation to Brett Wallace NH2KW, with his wife, Emily, and son, Brett W.; Earl Sloan, KI4OXD, and Rosemary Jones, KI4QBZ (far right).

 

There is still time to get ready and have fun. Visit for all of the details and complete information!

 

 

Register Now for the Mini Contest University

Mini Contest University (CTU) is coming to the Huntsville Hamfest for the first time. The CTU is sponsored by DX Engineering as one of three Training Tracks organized for the 2026 ARRL National Convention program in Huntsville on Friday, August 21.

 

Registrants will learn from veteran amateur radio contesters. This Mini CTU will appeal to new and veteran contesters alike who are looking to hone their skills. Presenters cover general contest operations, contesting skills, and many resources and tools to get more out of contesting.

 

Training Track #1: Mini Contest University

8:30 AM “Contest Operating Techniques & Strategies” by Kirk Pickering, K4RO

9:30 AM “Contest Station Design” by Trina Koenig, NR4L & Ron Koenig, WV4P

10:30 AM “Mobile Contesting” By Jim Hall, AD4EB

1:00 PM “Organizing a Winning Field Day” by Laura Morgan, K4CNY

2:00 PM “VHF & Rover Contesting” by Chris Arthur, NV4B

3:00 PM “Multi Operator Fun at K3LR” by Tim Duffy ,K3LR

 

The Mini CTU Track Leader is Tim Duffy, K3LR. This training is sponsored by .

 

Training Track #2: Emergency Communications Academy — Topics include ARES® future-proofing, PACE planning, digital comms, and emergency preparedness.

 

Rundown of speakers and topics:

 

Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, Emergency Communications and Field Services Director for ARRL, moderating the event and presenting on the Future of Emergency Communications and Amateur Radio. Also to discuss Building Relationships in EmComm.

 

Steve Smith, KM4CJ, AEC Madison County AL, Welcome to Madison County and Huntsville and presentation Overview of the ARES program in Madison County and the interaction with Local Emergency Management.

 

J.M. Rowe, N5XFW, SEC Arkansas, P.A.C.E. Planning, and the importance of having a P.A.C.E. plan in EmComm and daily life.

 

Arc Thames, W4CPD, Northern Florida SEC, Integrating amateur radio emergency communications with local CERT and government agencies.

 

Mike Watkins, WX4AL, Developing a successful exercise program and managing a quality Simulated Emergency Test.

 

Training Track #3: Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Workshop — Practical portable antenna building, deployment, and operating, led by Walt Hudson, K4OGO.

 

You can register now for a Training Track (includes luncheon) or dinner separately using the .

 

 

Earthquakes in Venezuela Prompt Request for Clear Emergency Frequency

All amateurs are being asked to keep 7135 kHz in the 40-meter band clear for emergency communications in the wake of back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. The two quakes, measured by the US Geological Survey at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 respectively, occurred just one minute apart and caused extensive damage across the South American country, including the capital city of Caracas. As of Thursday morning, government officials were reporting at least 164 deaths, nearly 1000 injuries and hundreds of people missing. These tolls are expected to rise as rescue/recovery operations continue.

 

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced on state television that the airport in Caracas was closed, trains were suspended and schools would be closed for several days. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is sending emergency assistance to Venezuela.

 

International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 Emergency Communications Coordinator Carlos Alberto Santamaría González, CO2JC, says he has learned from the Venezuelan Radio Club's National Emergency Network director, Domingo L. Hernández Lima, YV5IZE, that a large part of Caracas is without power and that amateurs operating on battery power have already activated HF voice and digital emergency nets. “For this reason,” said Santamaría González, “we request that all amateur radio colleagues in the Americas and the rest of the world protect (7135 kHz) used by Venezuelan amateur radio operators.”

 

Santamaría González also noted that emergency communications coordinators from neighboring countries, as well as members of the Board of Directors of IARU Region 2 (North, Central, and South America), remain on standby to provide any assistance that may be needed.

 

 

Amateur Radio in the News

“” / The Aspen Times (Colorado) June 19, 2026 -- The Ski Country Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club

 

“” / WVVA (West Virginia) June19, 2026 -- The East River Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club

 

“” / Chicago Times (Illinois) June 23, 2026 -- The DuPage Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

“” / Cleveland Plain Dealer (Ohio) June 23, 2026 -- The Cuyahoga Amateur Radio Society is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

 

 

ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

On the Air LIVE

 

What is your family’s backup plan when phones, texts, or internet are not available? Join ARRL’s Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, for the next On the Air Live as we explore the P.A.C.E. plan—Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency—and how it can help families build a practical communications plan before a crisis happens. We’ll talk about where amateur radio fits, how to layer your options, and how to make the plan simple enough for the whole family to use. The livestream will air on the ARRL's learning center, , July rd at 8pm Eastern. Preregistration is required and can be accomplished through the Learning Center.

 

📅 Date: July , 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

 

Introduction to Digital Modes

ARRL Technical Editor Conrad Trautmann, N2YCH, joins the podcast to talk about what digital modes are, why it’s worth it for hams of all classes to use them, and how to get started. | | Also available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.

 

 

Announcements

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 .

 

06/24/2026 No activations...ARRL Field Day

07/08/2026 No activations... IARU HF Contest

07/13/2026 Georgia W1AW/4 (host KJ4CNC)

07/15/2026 Indiana W1AW/9 (host AK9R)

07/15/2026 Pennsylvania W1AW/3 (host K3LR)

07/15/2026 Utah W1AW/7 (host NA7C)

 

 

This gathering of the NCDXC Charter Members occurred at the home of Reg Tibbets, W6ITH, at Christmas, 1947. From left, first row: Phil, W6IKQ; Bud, W6QLH; Ray, W6UPV; Horace, W6TI. Second row: Chas, W6EJA; Dan, W6PB; Bud, W6AED. Back row: Jack, W6BUY; Elvin, W6TT; Reg, W6ITH; Mario, W6DUB (not pictured Don Wallace, W6AM).

CONGRATULATIONS to the (NCDXC) celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. The NCDXC was formed in 1946 and has over 200 members across Northern California, with most of the members residing in the 9 Bay Area counties.

 

Club member Michael Flowers, K6MKF, has written a great article that updates the founding and history of the club for their recent newsletter. It’s a good read and shows why the club as been successful for eight decades.

 

The Northern California DX Club was founded on October 10th, 1946, by the charter members in the photo.

 

Today, club membership includes top personalities from every segment of the DX world, including many international associate members. The development of life-long friendships among club members has been the most frequent and happy by-product of its activities.

 

 

The (ROAR) will operate special event station K8R celebrating the historic visit of the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 locomotive to Struthers, Ohio. The Union Pacific Big Boy is the world's largest operating steam locomotive and one of the most recognized railroad icons in history. K8R will operate Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EDT and Sunday, July 12, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT. The station will be located immediately adjacent to the train stop location, allowing visitors to experience both the historic locomotive and amateur radio operations. Operators will be active on 40-meter SSB, 20-meter SSB, and 15-meter SSB and FT8 digital. Frequencies will vary, based on band conditions and operator availability. A unique commemorative K8R Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 QSL card will be available. For more information, visit .

 

 

 

In Brief...

Pictured, left to right: Adm (Ret) Ed Giambastiani, N4OC, (PVRC); Maurice Cahill, K3EJJ, (PVRC); Christine Maceo, KU5NA, (W3ADO trustee & USNA staff representative); Tyler Reece, K3MTR, (PVRC); Midshipman 2/c Daniel Conant, KF8GAC, (USNA Radio Club VP); LCDR Allison "Alli" Hamel, K6WE, (USNA Radio Club Officer Rep); Frank Donovan, W3LPL, (PVRC); Phil Barsky, K3EW, (PVRC); Roland Anders, K3RA, (PVRC); Dan Zeitlin, K2YWE, (PVRC).

Five members of the (PVRC), an ARRL Affiliated Club, recently visited the new ham shack of , W3ADO. The PVRC visitors included Admiral Ed Giambastiani, USN (Ret), N4OC, who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1970 and was an active member of W3ADO during his time as a midshipman. During their visit, the PVRC team provided guidance and suggestions for antenna installation, grounding options, and equipment for the shack, and offered information on local amateur radio activities for the midshipmen to consider. MIDN 2/C Daniel Conant, KF8GAC, Vice-President of the USNA Amateur Radio Club, represented W3ADO during the tour. The PVRC has a long-term relationship with W3ADO, coordinating the annual Crossband Military Exercise on Greenbury Point. The USNA Amateur Radio Club is the oldest continually active club at the United States Naval Academy. On November 10, 1928, permission was granted to organize the club and on March 20, 1930, the club received the call sign of W3ADO.

 

 

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:

 

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, June 25, 2026

ARRL Solar Report for June 25, 2026

 

Solar activity has remained at low levels, with frequent C-level activity in the SE quadrant of the solar disk. The largest flare of the period was a C3.8 on June 24 from Region 4478, which is the large sunspot that Solar Orbiter had been tracking across the Sun’s far side.

 

This region is still suffering from foreshortening effects, so its classification is low-to-moderate confidence. While the majority of the flaring activity this period came from 4478, Region 4475 also produced several small C-flares as additional trailing spots began to emerge.

 

Regions 4472 and 4473 continued to decay throughout the period. Region 4479 was numbered this period. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

 

Solar activity is expected to continue at predominately low levels on June 25 -27 with a high chance for M-flares (R1-R2/minor-moderate) and a slight chance for X-flares (R3/strong), primarily due to the potential of Region 4478.

 

Solar wind parameters were elevated this period from a mix of negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) onset and minor magnetic transient influences.

 

The solar wind speed began the period averaging 350 km/s, then increased sharply on June 24 to ~450 km/s. This was followed by another notable jump in speed, also beginning June 24, ending the reporting period at approximately 600 km/s. Phi was predominantly negative (towards the Sun) but did have an hour-long positive interval late on June 24. Solar wind conditions are expected remain elevated/disturbed through June 27 due to the continued influence of the negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream.

 

The 10.7-centimeter flux: June 25, 138; June 26, 134; June 27, 143; June 28, 130; June 29, 146; June 30, 149; July 1, 138

 

Predicted Sunspot numbers; June 25, 101; June 26, 95; June 27, 107; June 28, 90; June 29, 111; June 30, 83.

 

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

  • June 27 -- UFT QRP Contest (CW)
  • June 27 - 28 -- His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB (phone)
  • June 27 - 28 --
  • July 1 -- RAC Canada Day Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 2 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest-NA (digital)
  • July 2 - 3 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
  • July 2 -- NRAU 10m Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
  • July 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
  • July 4 -- NZART Memorial Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 4 - 5 -- 432 TA VHF/UHF Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 4 - 5 -- CQ Worldwide VHF SSB/CW Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 4 - 5 -- Marconi Memorial HF Contest (CW)
  • July 4 - 5 -- Original QRP Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 4 - 5 -- 7 PODXS 070 Club 40m Firecracker Sprint (digital)
  • July 5 - 6 -- ARAM 50 MHz Contest (CW, phone)
  • July 5 - 6 -- FOC Old School Classic 1960s QSO Party (CW)
  • July 6 -- RSGB 80m Club Championship (CW)
  • July 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)

 

 

Remember to visit the for more events and information.

 

 

Upcoming ARRL Conventions and Major Events

 

ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions (next 60 days)

Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database at to find events in your area.

 

July 11 | , hosting the ARRL North Dakota Section Convention, Minot, North Dakota

 

July 17 – 19 | , hosting the ARRL Montana Section Convention, Essex, Montana

 

July 25 | , Sioux Falls, South Dakota

 

July 25 | , Sutton, West Virginia

 

August 1 | , Augusta, Maine

 

August 7 – 8 | , hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana

 

August 13 – 16 | , hosting the ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts

 

August 15 | , hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention, Owensville, Ohio

 

August 21 – 23 | , hosting the , Huntsville, Alabama

 

Save the Date

Join ARRL at these Division Conventions and other major events throughout the year. Beginning in the fourth quarter, this list will also include significant events scheduled for the following year.

 

June 26 – 28, 2026 | , International Amateur Radio Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany

 

August 7 – 8 | , hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana

 

August 13 – 16 | , hosting the ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts

 

August 15 | , hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention, Owensville, Ohio

 

August 21 – 23 | , hosting the , Huntsville, Alabama

 

August 28 – 30 | , hosting the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Casper, Wyoming

 

October 9 – 10 | , hosting the ARRL Midwest Division Convention, Sedalia, Missouri

 

October 10 | , hosting the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

 

October 16 – 18 | , hosting the ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California

 

 

Have News for ARRL?

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