This morning at 7:30 AM HST, I finally succeeded in making radio contact with Progress Base (RI1ANE) in Antarctica! This moment was a culmination of several previous attempts, all of which had ended in frustration—but not today. With my morning coffee in hand and my trusty setup humming, I was able to reach Igor Taranenko at Progress Station, a Russian research facility situated at the Larsemann Hills Antarctic oasis on the shore of Prydz Bay.  

The Contact
Conditions this morning were not ideal for voice communication, so I used FT8, a digital mode designed for making contacts under weak signal conditions. Using WSJT-X, Igor and I exchanged the following:

• Call Signs: His (RI1ANE) and mine
• Grid Square Locations: This gave the approximate areas we were operating from
• Signal Strengths: I sent -04 and received -17, providing a clear indication of how well each of our signals was propagating.

This allowed both of us to verify not only the success of the contact but also the impressive range of our signals, bridging a distance of 13,595 km (8,447 miles) at a bearing of 297° between my station in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Progress Station in Antarctica.

My Setup: For those who love the technical details: Radio: Icom IC-7300 HF Transceiver Connection: USB cable connected to a Windows PC running the digital communication program WSJT-X Antenna: G5RV-JR wire antenna Power Output: 100 watts A Bit About Progress Station Coordinates: 69°22′51″S, 76°23′25″E Progress Station (Прогресс in Russian) is a fascinating part of the world. Operated by Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), it is a hub for scientific research in Antarctica. Located in the Larsemann Hills, this Antarctic oasis offers unique conditions for studying Earth's climate, ecosystems, and much more. The station is perched on the shore of Prydz Bay, surrounded by a landscape of ice, rock, and an incredible history of human perseverance and scientific exploration. Learn more about this amazing research station on its Wikipedia page. Another DXCC Entity Achieved This contact also adds a new DXCC entity—Antarctica—to my log, helping me work toward additional endorsements for the DXCC Award. Each country or DX entity represents a unique achievement in the world of amateur radio, and this one is particularly special due to the extreme remoteness and challenging conditions of the location. Currently, I  have 154 confirmed country or DX entities. The Joy of Radio Communication This contact underscores why I love ham radio. It’s not just a hobby—it’s an adventure. Every connection is a blend of skill, timing, and a little bit of luck. Reaching Progress Station felt like unlocking a rare achievement, made even sweeter by the fact that it was Igor on the other end, making the connection human and personal. Reflections Over Coffee This is one of the busiest times of the year for both me and my wife, and getting up and playing with the radio is always fun! I couldn’t help but savor the moment (and my coffee). Moments like these remind us of the power of technology to shrink our world and connect us to places we might never see in person. For anyone out there chasing rare DX stations, don’t give up. You never know when the propagation gods might smile upon you and turn a regular morning into an unforgettable one. 73 and happy DXing! (Translation: Best regards in ham radio lingo)

I wanted to share a fun and fulfilling activity I did after work today! I headed up to the beautiful Pali Lookout to spend an hour participating in POTA (Parks on the Air). For those who aren’t familiar, POTA is a ham radio program that encourages operators to set up and operate from designated parks. The goal is to connect with other operators around the world while showcasing the natural beauty of these locations. It’s a fun way to combine the outdoors with amateur radio!

I parked my truck right in the parking area where the slot is, and the wind was absolutely blasting—classic Pali weather! It added an extra challenge to the setup, but with my trusty Icom IC-7300 radio and a Ham Stick antenna for 20 meters, I managed to get on the air.

In just 47 minutes of operating time, I made 21 contacts on phone mode (voice). The experience was even better as I added some new countries to my DXCC (a ham radio award for confirming contacts with at least 100 different countries).

Here are some stats from my activation:

• Log Start: 19-Nov-2024, 03:39 UTC
• Log End: 19-Nov-2024, 04:26 UTC
• Operating Time: 47 minutes
• Total QSOs: 21
• Bands Used: 20 meters
• DXCC Contacted: 7, including South Africa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Hawaii
• Grid Fields Covered: 11
• Grid Squares Covered: 15
• Farthest Contact (ODX): ZS5WTF in South Africa, 11,650 miles away!

In addition to the long-distance (DX) contacts, I also made a few local connections on VHF, chatting with friends here on the island.

POTA is such a rewarding experience—it’s a great way to enjoy Hawaii’s stunning scenery while connecting with other radio operators around the globe. If you’re ever curious about ham radio or want to tag along on one of these activations, let me know.

You can check out the exact location I was at on Google Maps: Pali Lookout Location. https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9jzyByUQu59StBP7

Embracing the Spirit of Amateur Radio: My Experience in the June Digital Mode Contest

The first full weekend of June marks an exhilarating event for amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide—the Digital Mode Contest. This year, on June 1-2, 2024, I, KH6ML, had the pleasure of participating from my home in Kaneohe, on the beautiful island of Oahu, using my trusty Icom IC-7300 HF Radio.

Contest Objective

The contest's goal is simple yet engaging: make contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs using any digital mode (excluding RTTY) that supports the 4-digit Grid Square exchange. The contest spans several bands, including 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters. As a Technician, I was limited to the 10 and 6 meter bands, per FCC rules. One of the unique aspects of this contest is that automated operation is not permitted—each contact must involve direct initiation by the operator on both sides. This rule ensures that the spirit of genuine communication and interaction is maintained.

Contest Period

The contest kicked off at 1800 UTC on Saturday and concluded at 2359 UTC on Sunday. This provided ample time for operators across the globe to connect, exchange grid squares, and experience the camaraderie that defines the amateur radio community.

My Experience: I stuck to two modes: FT-8 and FT-4, Max power was less than 100 watts.

Despite the challenges posed by solar weather, I was able to make 130 contacts, reaching a variety of countries, or as we call them in the amateur radio community, DXCC entities. The thrill of making successful QSOs under varying conditions is an experience like no other. Here are the entities I managed to contact:

• 3D2F - Fiji
• 9M2 - West Malaysia
• BY - China
• DU - Philippines
• EA - Spain
• FK - New Caledonia
• G - England
• GI - Northern Ireland
• HI - Dominican Republic
• HL - South Korea
• I - Italy
• JA - Japan
• KH6 - Hawaii
• KL7 - Alaska
• OZ - Denmark
• PY - Brazil
• SP - Poland
• UA - Russia (EU)
• UA0 - Russia (AS)
• UR - Ukraine
• W - USA
• YB - Indonesia

Contest Details

• Contest: ARRL-DIGI
• Call Sign: KH6ML
• Category: Single Operator, One Radio (SO1R), Low Power
• Operator: SINGLE-OP -
• Power: LOW - Created from: Highest power question (Answer: 100W or less)
• Op Time: 24-HOURS - Created from: Time Category question
• Location: DX
• Station Grid: BL11CJ
• QSOs in Log: 130
• Raw Score: 1,565 (105 QSOs) - Note: The raw score is an estimate based solely on the individual log contents and is not used during subsequent log checking.

Why I Love Being an ARRL Member

This contest was sponsored by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), an organization that has been instrumental in promoting and supporting amateur radio for over a century. Being a member of the ARRL has numerous benefits that enhance my amateur radio experience:

1. Resources and Education: The ARRL provides a wealth of educational materials and resources that help me stay informed about the latest in amateur radio technology and practices. Their publications, such as QST magazine, are invaluable for learning new techniques and keeping up with the community.

2. Advocacy: The ARRL advocates for the rights and interests of amateur radio operators at the national and international levels. They work tirelessly to protect our frequencies and ensure that amateur radio remains a vital and recognized service.

3. Community: Being part of the ARRL connects me with a vast network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for amateur radio. This sense of community is essential for exchanging ideas, finding support, and fostering lasting friendships.

4. Contests and Awards: The ARRL organizes numerous contests and awards programs that provide exciting opportunities to challenge myself and improve my skills. These events are a great way to stay engaged and motivated in the hobby.

Conclusion

Participating in the Digital Mode Contest was a remarkable experience. It allowed me to connect with fellow amateurs from diverse parts of the world, exchange information, and enhance my skills in digital communication. The contest not only tested my abilities as an operator but also reinforced the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of changing solar conditions.

Amateur radio is more than just a hobby; it's a way to build bridges across cultures and geographies, fostering a sense of global community. I look forward to future contests and continuing to embrace the spirit of amateur radio. Until next time, 73 from KH6ML!

In this year's May Semi-Annual Drill, titled "Carrington Event," our team at EmComm Training Organization faced significant real-world challenges that tested the adaptability of our Amateur Radio Operators and communication technologies. Originally designed to assess the impact of geomagnetic storms on high-frequency radio communications, the scenario quickly reflected actual solar activities that globally disrupted communications.


The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center reported an X-class solar flare, which severely hindered our ability to establish HF radio contact from Hawaii to the US Mainland. It was only after dark, when the solar geomagnetic storms subsided, that successful message transmission was possible. This experience highlighted the immediate and disruptive impacts of solar events.

Purpose of the Drill: Produce a Winlink ICS 309 Form: Documenting successful message passing across various bands, session modes, and distances to RMS Gateways.
Objectives:

Understand Geomagnetic Storm Impacts: Gain insights into the potential effects of geomagnetic storms on the electrical grid.
Leverage NOAA Expertise: Utilize reporting and capabilities from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center to inform our strategies.
System Recognition: Identify the three independent U.S. managed AC power interconnect systems.
Communication Testing: Send up to nine standard Winlink Check-in messages to ETO-DRILL, testing our communication reach and reliability.



Effects of Geomagnetic Storms:

Power Grids: Induction of currents that can lead to transformer failures and widespread power outages.
Satellite Communications: Potential damage to electronics and disruptions in signal transmission.
Navigation Systems: GPS accuracy interference.
Radio Communications: Disruptions across HF, VHF, and UHF bands, crucial for emergency communications.
This drill-turned-real scenario tested our readiness and emphasized the critical role of emergency communication systems like Winlink, which allow for message passing across various bands and distances. Our efforts to maintain connectivity exemplify the resilience and necessity of well-prepared communication networks in the face of nature's unpredictability.

For more details on the exercise and results, visit the EmComm Training Organization’s full drill overview: EmComm Training Organization Drill Overview.
https://www.emcomm-training.org/drills2.html

This March, I participated in the intense and exhilarating CQ World Wide WPX Contest, where I took 4th place in Hawaii and ranked 87th across Oceania. Competing in one of the world's largest "everyone-works-everyone" radio contests was an absolute thrill!

The WPX contests are renowned for their global participation, attracting amateurs of all skill levels—from beginners to world champions. The objective is clear: contact as many amateurs and collect as many unique callsign prefixes as possible. With thousands of unique callsign prefixes from hundreds of DX entities, the contest is a rich hunting ground for those, like myself, who are chasing the coveted CQ WPX Awards Program endorsements.

During the contest, contacts between stations on different continents but in the same country score differently based on the band, adding a strategic layer to the already challenging environment. Special event and commemorative stations with unique prefixes also join the fray, adding to the contest's dynamic nature.

This year’s participation not only tested my abilities but also deepened my appreciation for the vibrant and diverse amateur radio community worldwide. I’m already looking forward to next year’s contest, aiming even higher!

#AmateurRadio #HamRadio #CQWPX #RadioContest #DXing