FT8 - SUPERFOX Cracked

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One of the features in the recently released Superfox version of FT8 for DXpeditions was a security key to validate the DXpedition station as being really who they say they are and not a pirate station using their call sign. Unfortunately, this security has been cracked enabling stations to claim that they are a rare DXpedition station and those people working them are disappointed when they find that they did not work the DXpedition station after all.

Why do stations pirate other's callsigns, just to cause trouble?

One reason that has been put forward in the Funk-Telegramm article for the code being cracked is the fact that valid DXpeditions have been refused the needed security key to run SuperFox mode (which also allows many more stations to be worked in parallel when compared to "normal" FT8).

The keys are NOT managed by the WSJT group but rather by the NCDXF and it has been suggested in the article that their refusal to issue keys to some requesters "de-valued" those DXpedition group's chances of maximum contact numbers in the FT8 mode.

The WSJTx group are working to increase key security but one would hope that key allocation could be performed by an international independent body, rather than one involved in running and sponsoring DXpeditions to avoid the current accusations.

National Preparedness Month: Ensuring Family Safety

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National Preparedness Month: Ensuring Family Safety

September is National Preparedness Month. In coordination with our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) is producing a series of weekly articles to help radio amateurs and their families stay safe.

For a ham or any other public safety responder, whether paid or volunteer, it is not uncommon to be called out to provide assistance during disasters. We often do not know when we will be called or exactly what the call will involve. We also do not know how long we may be deployed. In the last edition, we focused on our go kit and the tools we should have to deploy as an amateur radio volunteer. But have we made sure our family is prepared for these times, whether we are deployed or will be staying home?

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Sri Lankan Girl Guides Find Power in Ham Radio

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Girl Guides in Sri Lanka recently got some guidance from the Radio Society of Sri Lanka, which helped them get on the air.

The International Girl Guide Camp that concluded on the 23rd of August left a lasting mark on two thousand Girl Guides from Sri Lanka's nine provinces and showcased the power of amateur radio for them all. The Radio Society of Sri Lanka was there in Ceylon to conduct demonstrations and to help the girls' hands-on experience with radio.

Society volunteers ensured there would be radio capability by setting up for HF, VHF and Echolink communications. The radio society considered it a milestone for the camp with the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association getting on the air with an amateur radio club licence of its own through the help of society secretary Victor 4S7VK. The Girl Guides were calling QRZ as 4S7GGA.