Good day, WN4RC friends! Here’s your daily update for sun, signals, and club news:
Solar & Propagation Snapshot (HF / VHF / Satellites):
Current data from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center shows a solar flux around 132 sfu with a quiet geomagnetic field — Kp index holding near 2–3.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
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With those numbers, HF bands should be reliable: 20 m and 15 m are good bets for daytime DX, while 40 m/80 m remain solid for regional contacts during early morning and evening hours. As for 150–170 MHz (VHF low-band), propagation is expected to remain mostly line-of-sight today, with no strong sporadic-E or F2 skip anticipated — so local and regional contacts should be your main focus. Satellite passes ought to be stable, though mild Doppler shift or fading might appear on marginal passes.
Ham-Radio News Highlight:
The ARRL VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) recently reported that the FCC has extended the renewal filing deadline for amateur licenses — all licenses due between October 1, 2025, and March 5, 2026, now may be renewed by March 5, 2026. This gives extra time to licensees impacted by recent backlog delays.
ARRL
Operating / Safety Tip:
If you’re using a mobile or portable rig on VHF or HF — especially in colder weather — keep an eye on SWR and connection integrity. Cold can tighten or shift coax and connector housings, leading to mismatches. Regularly check your coax, connectors, and antenna mount during cold snaps to avoid unexpected SWR spikes.
Tags: Propagation • HF • VHF • Licensing News • Club Events
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