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The official newsletter of the Handiham Radio Club. Issue 8, December 2025.
Greetings from the Editor
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. As the fourth Advent candle, the love candle, was lit at church this morning, I thought about how much the Handiham family loves one another. We help one another, we encourage one another, we support one another. We even put up with one another when some of us are being huge pains in the big toe. It is such an honor to be part of such a loving family. To all my dearest family, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Frohe Weihnachten, Joyeux Noël, and the happiest of new years.
Mélanie Carriveau, KN4ZSY, Editor in Chief
Contributions Wanted
If you have something related to ham radio or technology that you want to share with the club, please submit it to our Editor in Chief, Mélanie Carriveau, KN4ZSY. There is no deadline for submissions, and the submission guidelines are quite flexible.
President’s Greeting
Greetings, HRC members. We are approaching the end of a year that has seen so many firsts. 2025 has been a good year, and a great year for expansion. We have grown greatly in meeting attendance and daily net participation, and we began publishing the Radio Active Times. It is hard to believe we are already at our eighth issue. You, the HRC members, have made this all possible; we couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.
I haven’t been doing as many presidential updates as in previous years because of the Radio Active Times. Often I have been producing two articles for it: the HRC net report, and usually tips and tricks for improving things in the radio shack. I don’t want the Radio Active Times to be all about the president, but about the club members, and this is gradually becoming a reality. However, I did want to take the time this month to wish everybody the merriest of Christmases, the happiest of holidays, and the highest of hopes for the new year. Many thanks to every member of the HRC, and to each club member actively taking part in moving projects forward, club outreach and Handiham support. My thoughts and prayers will be with you into the new year.
Jerry Maccoux, W0UH, HRC President
HRC Daily Net Statistics for November 2025
By Jerry Maccoux, W0UH, HRC Net Manager
It’s hard to believe we are already giving the net report for November 2025. We hit the holidays and some technical hiccups, while keeping our 100-plus weekly check-in winning streak going: we have checked in more than 100 stations for 35 consecutive weeks. We had a close call this month, but we kept another streak going too: more than 500 check-ins for 8 consecutive months, including November.
Here is the breakdown for the second month of the fourth quarter.
| Net | Check-ins |
|---|---|
| Monday | 77 |
| Tuesday | 87 |
| Wednesday | 83 |
| Wednesday night | 80 |
| Thursday | 90 |
| Friday | 86 |
| Week | Check-ins |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 135 |
| Week 2 | 119 |
| Week 3 | 124 |
| Week 4 | 128 |
| November total | 506 (average 21.1 per net) |
The lowest number of check-ins for a single net was 16, and the highest was 27.
Be sure to drop in at 11:00 AM Central time, Monday through Friday, for our daily nets:
- EchoLink: HANDIHAM conference server, node 494492
- DMR: talkgroup TGIF, TG 3141
- AllStar: node 473670
Article 1: Let’s Have Some Contest Fun!
By Tom Behler, KB8TYJ
Do you have an HF setup? Are you up for some HF contest fun? And would you like to represent the Handiham Radio Club and the Handiham Program in the process? If so, this article is for you!
As I discussed at our most recent Handiham Radio Club meeting, I am organizing Handiham Radio Club contest teams for the North American QSO Party SSB contest in mid-January. The contest runs from 1800 UTC on January 17 to 0600 UTC on January 18; you may want to convert those times to your own time zone. Even though the contest is a 12-hour event, individual operators like us may only operate ten hours of it, even as part of a team.
Contest teams can have 2 to 5 people, and I’d like to form as many teams as we can under the Handiham Radio Club name. I’ll take the lead on forming the teams and will do all the registration paperwork. I’ll also send out instructions for joining a team several weeks before the contest. If you’d like to get on the list of HRC contest participants, contact me, Tom Behler, KB8TYJ. Before you sign up, please be sure you know the HF band and frequency privileges for your license class. Later in this article I have included what I believe is the latest list of license privileges relevant to the contest.
It is also important to know that the North American QSO Party sponsors require a Cabrillo-formatted log for your results to count as part of our team effort. The most accessible way I’ve found to create that log is the N3FJP North American QSO Party logging software, available at www.n3fjp.com. It works quite well with JAWS and NVDA. At the end of this article are instructions I’ve developed for creating the Cabrillo log, so you can get familiar with the process well before the contest.
For more details about the North American QSO Party SSB contest, visit the NAQP SSB page on the WA7BNM Contest Calendar.
Relevant US amateur license privileges by band
Source: ARRL frequency allocations, last updated April 14, 2022.
| Band | License class | Frequencies (MHz) | Modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 meters | Extra, Advanced, General | 1.800–2.000 | CW, RTTY, data, phone, image |
| 80 meters, Extra | Extra | 3.500–3.600 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 3.600–4.000 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 80 meters, Advanced | Advanced | 3.525–3.600 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 3.700–4.000 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 80 meters, General | General | 3.525–3.600 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 3.800–4.000 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 80 meters, Novice and Technician | Novice, Technician | 3.525–3.600 | CW only |
| 40 meters, Extra | Extra | 7.000–7.125 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 7.125–7.300 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 40 meters, Advanced | Advanced | 7.025–7.125 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 7.125–7.300 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 40 meters, General | General | 7.025–7.125 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 7.175–7.300 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 40 meters, Novice and Technician | Novice, Technician | 7.025–7.125 | CW only |
| 20 meters, Extra | Extra | 14.000–14.150 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 14.150–14.350 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 20 meters, Advanced | Advanced | 14.025–14.150 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 14.175–14.350 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 20 meters, General | General | 14.025–14.150 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 14.225–14.350 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 15 meters, Extra | Extra | 21.000–21.200 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 21.200–21.450 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 15 meters, Advanced | Advanced | 21.025–21.200 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 21.225–21.450 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 15 meters, General | General | 21.025–21.200 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 21.275–21.450 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 15 meters, Novice and Technician | Novice, Technician | 21.025–21.200 | CW only |
| 10 meters, Extra, Advanced, General | Extra, Advanced, General | 28.000–28.300 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 28.300–29.700 | CW, phone, image | ||
| 10 meters, Novice and Technician | Novice, Technician (200 watts maximum) | 28.000–28.300 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 28.300–28.500 | CW, SSB phone |
Creating a Cabrillo log with the N3FJP North American QSO Party software
The N3FJP North American QSO Party logging software is at n3fjp.com/naqp.html. The latest version, 5.3.8, is the one you want. You can buy the NAQP logger alone for $8.99, or the entire N3FJP software package for $59.99. A free demo version is available, but it only lets you log 30 contacts.
Once you have downloaded and installed the software, set it up for your mode and band preferences. Mode preferences are in Settings under the Setup menu. Band preferences are in the Band menu, which you can reach with the Alt key and the Right Arrow key. You might also want to turn on voice navigation: go to Settings and use the Up Arrow to reach the Voice Navigation menu. You can have voice prompts for all entry fields or only the Call field. This is purely personal choice, and you may not need it if JAWS or your screen reader gives you enough prompt information.
For the North American QSO Party, you only need to enter the call sign, name and state of each station you work; use the Tab key to move between these fields. The software fills in the rest as your contacts are logged. If you work another country, the country name should be entered automatically, but you will want to double-check it.
Once your log is final, follow these steps to create a Cabrillo text file to submit to the contest sponsor and include in our Handiham Radio Club team effort:
- Open the File menu in the NAQP logging program. Screen reader users can press Alt, then use the Up Arrow until they hear “Write Cabrillo Contest Submittal File.”
- Press Enter on “Write Cabrillo Contest Submittal File.” A form opens; tab through the options and fill them in according to your operating and station details.
- When done, tab to “Write Cabrillo Summary File” and press Enter. You will be asked to save the file. The file name is usually your call sign with a .log extension.
- Save the file, making sure you choose a location where you can find it later.
- After saving, activate “Done” to close the Cabrillo dialog. You now have a complete text file of your North American QSO Party log.
Any questions? Contact Tom Behler, KB8TYJ.
Article 2: Cross-Band Repeating with the Kenwood TM-V71A
By Larry Marcum, K7GND
This article explains what cross-band repeating is, and specifically how to do it with the Kenwood TM-V71A VHF/UHF dual-band transceiver. Other brands and models can also cross-band repeat, but I am writing about the radio I personally use.
Cross-band repeating is when a dual-band transceiver receives a signal on one of its two bands and at the same time transmits it on the other band, and vice versa. It is done on simplex frequencies. It comes in handy, for instance, when you are outside with a handheld transceiver (HT) and want to extend your range using the higher power of your indoor transceiver and roof-mounted antenna. Another use is when you have a V71 in your vehicle and are away from it with your HT. Another valuable use, which prompted me to write this article, is extending the range of an AllStar node, which I discuss later. The setup I describe uses a UHF (440 MHz) HT to reach a VHF (2-meter) radio.
Setting up the V71
- Enter the menu settings. Press the Function button, the second button from the left in the row of 7 buttons below the display, then briefly push in the tuning knob.
- Turn the knob to menu number 403 and set it to “Cross” by turning the tuning knob until it displays the word Cross.
- Briefly push in the tuning knob to save the setting, then press the Function button again to exit the menu. You only need to do this once; it stays set for future cross-band repeating.
- Program a VHF simplex frequency in band A, and a UHF simplex frequency in band B.
- Set band B to low power. Set band A to low power too, unless you need higher power to reach farther.
Turning cross-band repeat on and off
- Turn the V71 off.
- Hold in the Tone button, the third button from the left in the row of 7 buttons below the display.
- While holding the Tone button, turn the V71 on, and let go of the button once it powers up.
To confirm you are in cross-band repeat mode, turn the tuning knob: it should just beep. In cross-band repeat mode you cannot use any of the V71’s controls or its microphone, though you can still listen to it. You are now ready to enjoy cross-band repeating.
To return the V71 to normal use, repeat the same steps: turn it off, then hold the Tone button as you turn it back on. Do not use this configuration with a repeater in your area; use it only for simplex.
Extending an AllStar node
Cross-band repeat can extend the range of your AllStar node, since AllStar nodes use simplex frequencies. If your node is on UHF, program band B of the V71 to your node’s frequency and band A to a VHF simplex frequency. Don’t forget to program your node’s PL tone with its frequency on the V71.
Keep in mind that when you cross-band repeat with your AllStar node and the node is on a busy system or a net like Handiham’s, your V71 will be transmitting continuously, so, especially on high power, it will get hot, really hot. I keep a fan on top of my V71 to help cool it. The band you talk to with your HT should stay on low power. The other band should only be on high power if you are trying to reach many, many miles.
Have fun with this useful tool. If I can help, you can reach me on my AllStar node, 560781, or my EchoLink node, K7GND-L.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
December 2025
- December 19–24, 1500–2359 UTC: Christmas in Bethlehem, New Mexico. KC5OUR, Valencia County ARA, Peralta, New Mexico. Frequencies: 7.183, 14.283, 21.283, 28.383 MHz.
- December 28, 0000–2359 UTC: Iowa statehood, BIARA recognition. NI6BB, Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association, San Pedro, California. All bands and modes, as available.
January 2026
- January 2–31, 0000–2359 UTC: 20th Annual Straight Key Month. K3Y, Straight Key Century Club, Ellicott City, Maryland. Frequencies: 3.550, 7.055, 14.050, 21.050 MHz. K3Y/0 through 9, plus KH6, KL7, KP4 and DX member stations in six WAC areas, operating straight keys, bugs and cootie keys.
- January 4, 3:00 PM Central time: Handiham Radio Club meeting.
- January 9–11, 1600–2200 UTC: Remembering W0JH, Father Metcalf. W0JH, Stillwater Amateur Radio Association, Stillwater, Minnesota. Frequencies: 3.860, 7.260, 14.260, 21.360 MHz.
- January 10, 1600–2230 UTC: MRAC 109th anniversary. W9RH, Milwaukee Radio Amateurs’ Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Frequencies: 7.250, 14.250 MHz, and 145.390 MHz (−600 kHz offset, 127.3 Hz tone).
- January 10, 1700–2359 UTC: Operation Desert Storm. NI6IW, USS Midway Museum Ship, San Diego, California. Frequencies: 14.320, 7.250, 14.070 MHz; PSK31; D-STAR on Papa System repeaters.
- January 16–17, 1600–1800 UTC: Celebrating the Fort Myers ARC Hamfest and the ARRL Section Meeting. W4LX, Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Fort Myers, Florida. Frequencies: 14.060, 14.270 MHz.
- January 18, 3:00 PM Central time: Handiham Radio Club Zoominar on the ClearNode.
- January 24, 1330–2100 UTC: First wireless-coordinated high seas rescue, 1909. K3S, Nuclear Ship Savannah ARC, Port of Baltimore, Maryland. Bands: 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10 meters.
- January 25–27, 1700–0100 UTC: Discovery of Gold in California, 177th anniversary special event station. AG6AU, El Dorado County ARC, Placerville, California. Frequencies: 7.248, 14.248, 21.348, 28.348 MHz.
Handiham Radio Club Board, December 2025
- President: Jerry Maccoux, W0UH
- Vice President: Tom Behler, KB8TYJ
- Secretary: Mélanie Carriveau, KN4ZSY
- Treasurer and Handiham Program representative: Lucinda Moody, AB8WF
- Immediate Past President: Linda Reeder, N7HVF
- Technology Committee Chair: John Glass, NU6P
- Outreach Committee Chair: Peter Atkinson, KD9VTU
- First Member at Large: Darrell Horst, KM6KFW
- Second Member at Large: Christoph Bungard, DF9WM
To reach the club or any board member, please contact the Handiham Radio Club through the Handiham Program.