ARRL Straight Key Night 2025

ARRL Straight Key Night is 1st January 2025, from 0000 UTC through 2359 UTC. This 24-hour event is not a contest but rather a day dedicated to celebrating our CW heritage -- radio communications by Morse code.

Participants are encouraged to get on the air and simply make enjoyable, conversational CW QSOs (radio contacts). The use of straight keys or bugs to send CW is preferred. There are no points scored and all who participate are winners. All authorized amateur frequencies may be used but activity has traditionally been centered on the HF bands.

Entries for Straight Key Night must be received by 3 January 2025. Votes for "Best Fist" and “Most Interesting QSO” will be tabulated and included in the results. Send your information to straightkey@arrl.org or by mail to ARRL Straight Key Night, 225 Main Street, Newington, Connecticut 06111. For more information, contact contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232.

ARRL Straight Key Night 2025 - http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night

Brazilian loggers take over retired UHF MilSat

In the heart of the Amazon, amidst the dense foliage and the symphony of nature's whispers, a silent revolution unfolds one that transcends borders, defies regulations, and challenges the very essence of communication.

At the centre of this enigma lies the tale of the South American satellite pirates, a clandestine network of individuals who have ingeniously tapped into retired UHF MilSat bands to extend their radio range deep into the heart of the rainforest.

Brazilian loggers have employed 2m radios modified with frequency doublers and directional antennas, turning the once-secret communication channels of the U.S. Navy Satcom uplink frequencies (280-310MHz) into conduits for their own purposes.

Dubbed "Bolinha" or "little ball" by its users, the FLTSATCOM geo-sync satellites, once a pinnacle of military communication prowess, now find themselves unwitting accomplices in this subversive endeavour.

What began as a means for Brazilian loggers to enhance their radio range has evolved into a phenomenon that spans the breadth of Brazilian society. Truck drivers, seeking superior communication capabilities in remote regions beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure, flock to these satellites. Rogue loggers, wary of authorities encroaching on their illicit activities, deploy them as covert communication channels to evade detection. Drug dealers, organized crime factions, and ordinary citizens alike have found utility in this illicit network, transforming it into an integral part of the Brazilian communication landscape.

Meet the Newest Operattor in Australia: Santa!

Yes there a lot of opportunities at this time of the year to work Santa Claus on the air -- but have you ever thought of a QSO with Santa from his QTH near the SOUTH Pole? Amateur radio can make it happen.

If you believe in Santa Claus - and who doesn't, am I right? - you probably believe that he lives only at the North Pole. Wrong! Santa has a summer home and here in Australia, you can find him in Wangara, Western Australia, where he is in his shack, excited to have finally got his Australian callsign. It's VK6SANTA and he's making good use of it right now through to the 24th of the month by hosting the VK6 Santa Amateur Radio Net.

Santa is a very happy new Australian op and he is spreading holiday cheer.

Visit his page on QRZ.com and you'll find that Santa is eager to work local hams as well as some DX - he's on 2 metres as well as 10, 20 and 40 metres. If all you want for Christmas is to get Santa in your Yuletide Log, you might just get your wish.

Source - ARNewsline