Week 44, 2026: the week in amateur radio

ADRASEC 02 – General Assembly (25.10.26)

ADRASEC 02 – Assemblée Générale (25.10.26)

The Aisne ADRASEC held its general assembly on 25 October 2026 in St Quentin. Members reviewed beacon searches, detection equipment and three to four planned exercises, approved the reports, and re-elected the board with F6HDV as president.

TF1A to speak at Skeljanes on 5 November

TF1A VERÐUR Í SKELJANESI 5. NÓVEMBER.

The Icelandic Radio Amateurs (ÍRA) host a talk by TF1A at their Skeljanes premises on Thursday 5 November, covering amateur radio satellites including QO-100. TF1A has operated the geostationary satellite from an outdoor location.

International contests, 7–8 November

ALÞJÓÐLEGAR KEPPNIR 7.-8. NÓVEMBER.

ÍRA lists two international contests on 7–8 November: the YBDXPI FT8 Contest on six HF bands, exchanging four-character grid squares, and the IPARC CW Contest on 7 November, exchanging RST and serial number.

Gold Coast Hamfest 2026: One Day Only! Sunday 8 November

The Wireless Institute of Australia lists the Gold Coast Hamfest 2026 as a single-day event on Sunday 8 November.

01-Nov-2026 Updates from the IRTS — HF News — Shannon Basin Radio Club November Meeting — Silent Key : Brian Hoare EI7JB — VHF/Microwave News — Radio and Retro Weekend at TOG…

The Irish Radio Transmitters Society's weekly roundup covers HF news, the Shannon Basin Radio Club's November meeting, VHF and microwave news, and a radio and retro weekend. It also reports the passing of Brian Hoare EI7JB.

200 Years of Ohm's Law

200 Jahre Ohmsches Gesetz

DARC marks 200 years since Georg Simon Ohm published his findings on the relationship between current, voltage and resistance. The law remains basic everyday knowledge for amateurs working on transmitters, power supplies, antennas and fault-finding.

Haggling, Talking Shop, Meeting Friends

Feilschen, fachsimpeln, Freunde treffen

USKA reports on the SUPER PARTY held 31 October in Zofingen, Switzerland's largest amateur radio flea market. Hundreds of visitors browsed tables of vintage and modern gear, from antennas and components to SDR transceivers, with free entry.

foF2 and MUF - what is the difference?

foF2 und MUF - was ist der Unterschied?

Explains the difference between foF2, the highest frequency reflected from straight overhead, and MUF(3000)F2, the maximum usable frequency for a 3000 km single hop. Notes that fast solar wind recently pulled the measured MUF at Dourbes sharply lower.

Propagation News – week 45 2026

Propagatienieuws – week 45 2026

The weekly propagation outlook points to a favourable four months for DX on 160, 80 and 40 m. It also covers autumn tropo, sporadic-E on 50 MHz, Southern Taurids meteor scatter, possible aurora and EME conditions for the contest weekend.

The countdown is on for Tassie Ham-E-Con, being held on 7–8 November 2026 at the University of Tasmania's Sandy Bay campus in Hobart.

Tassie Ham-E-Con takes place on 7–8 November 2026 at the University of Tasmania's Sandy Bay campus in Hobart. The Wireless Institute of Australia notes the event is approaching.

Stay Informed! Subscribe to ACMA's Amateur Radio Newsletter

The Australian Communications and Media Authority publishes an amateur radio newsletter, and the WIA points hams to its subscription option for regulatory updates.

The "EiBi List" - Winter Schedule for Shortwave

Die "EIBI-Liste" - Winterfahrplan für Kurzwelle

The EiBi shortwave frequency database, maintained by Eike Bierwirth, is out in its winter 2026/2027 edition. It lists broadcast and utility transmissions with times, languages and target areas, helping listeners identify unknown signals.

Exam of the Icelandic Post and Telecom Administration for amateur licences 2026

PRÓF FJARSKIPTASTOFU TIL AMATÖRLEYFIS 2026.

Iceland's amateur radio licence exam, run by the telecom authority FST, took place on 31 October 2026 at Reykjavik University. Twelve of 23 registered candidates sat the written theory and regulations papers; results will follow.

Formal start of new EC

The Executive Committee of IARU Region 1, elected on 23 September at the General Conference in Vienna, formally takes office today under the constitution's timing rules. The new committee held an online meeting to mark the start.

K6VHF/HR9 – Roatan Island

Alex K6VHF plans to operate from Roatan Island (IOTA NA-057) as K6VHF/HR9 from 25 November to 5 December 2026. Bands run from 80 to 10 m using FT8, SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL via K6VHF or LoTW.

Weekend HF Weather – CIR Heralds High-Speed Stream

FunkWX am Wochenende - CIR kündet HSS an

A corotating interaction region is expected to bring a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole, lifting geomagnetic activity to G1/G2 over the weekend. Expect variable HF conditions, with possible transpolar absorption, while 20, 30 and 40 m stay mostly usable.

Short Amateur Radio News – Week 44, 2026

Kort radioamateurnieuws – week 44, 2026

VERON's weekly news roundup for week 44 covers magazine subscriptions for 2027, a QRP field radio kit, a European record in CQWPX CW, and the PA-Beker contest on 14 and 15 November. It also mentions 36 MHz beacon tests from Lithuania.

Short report: 8th EMC Level 1 video conference 2026

Kurzbericht 8. EMC-Level 1 Videokonferenz 2026

USKA reports on its 8th EMC Level 1 video conference, held 27 October 2026. Topics included direction-finding a robotic mower and charger interference and using an official measurement report. Slides on EMC interference hunting are available; the next session is 24 November 2026.

Halloween Storms of 2003

Halloween-Stürme 2003

DARC looks back at the October 2003 Halloween solar storms, which produced G5 geomagnetic conditions. The article describes how they disrupted some HF bands, opened unusual DX paths and brought rare VHF aurora contacts.

Dutch Radiocommunications Agency fines Ledverlichting Soest €39,000

Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur legt Ledverlichting Soest boete op van € 39.000

The Dutch radio inspectorate RDI fines importer Ledverlichting Soest €39,000 after finding that Milight LED lighting fails legal requirements. Non-compliant lighting can be a source of radio interference, which is relevant to amateurs.

GB2RS News Script for 1 November 2026

The RSGB publishes the script for its GB2RS news bulletin for 1 November 2026, available as a Word document download.

On the 2027 ARI fees

Sulle quote ARI 2027

ARI, the Italian national amateur radio association, has released a presidential circular on the 2027 membership fees. It is available to sections in the restricted area.

WIA Strategic Priorities 2026–2027: Together We SHAPE the Future

The Wireless Institute of Australia publishes its strategic priorities for 2026–2027, setting out the themes that will guide the national amateur radio body over the coming year.

Rallies and Events News – 01 November 2026

The RSGB's weekly rallies list includes the British Vintage Wireless Society swapmeet in Golborne, Warrington, on 1 November. Entry is restricted to BVWS members, with the public doors opening at 10am.

Special Events News – 01 November 2026

East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will operate GB1BK from the former RAF Binbrook on 7 and 8 November for Remembrance commemorations, using SSB on 80m, 40m and 20m during daylight hours.

DX News – 01 November 2026

IZ2DPX is on the air as D44PX from Cape Verde until 11 November, and IK2GZU operates as 5H3MB from Tanzania until 19 November. Both use several modes across HF bands.

Contest News – 01 November 2026

Two RSGB-listed contests are coming up. The UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest covers 1.3 to 3.4GHz on 1 November, and the HF Autumn Series Data Contest follows on 2 November using RTTY and PSK63.

Register your school, university or youth group for YOTA Month

The RSGB invites schools, universities and youth groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadets to register to host special event activity during Youngsters On The Air Month, which begins in December.

Two new RSGB Convention lectures now on YouTube

The RSGB has put the first two 2026 Convention presentations on YouTube, including a session with Board members covering the Society's strategy and related activities.

Winter opening at RSGB National Radio Centre

From 2 November the RSGB National Radio Centre closes at 4pm daily, matching Bletchley Park's winter opening hours. Visitor planning information is available on the RSGB website.

DXCC standings of TF callsigns

DXCC STAÐA TF KALLMERKJA.

The Icelandic society ÍRA publishes updated DXCC standings for TF callsigns as of 30 October. TF5B now has 299 confirmed entities, one short of the 300 level.

Nominate to be a Director of the WIA

The Wireless Institute of Australia is calling for nominations for candidates to serve as a director of the WIA.

OX7AM : Greenland

OZ7AM plans to operate as OX7AM from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, from 23 November to 7 December 2026. Operation is CW only on HF, including the CQWW CW contest. QSL via OZ1ACB and LoTW.

3B8/E70A : Mauritius

E70A plans to operate as 3B8/E70A from Mauritius, IOTA AF-049, from 20 November to 3 December 2026 on HF. The station joins the 3B8M team in CQWW CW. QSL via LoTW.

Banten Provincial Legislature Working Visit to ORARI Local Kota Tangerang Secretariat

KUNJUNGAN KERJA DPRD PROVINSI BANTEN ke Sekretariatan ORARI Lokal Kota Tangerang

Members of the Banten provincial legislature's Commission 1 visited the ORARI Local Kota Tangerang secretariat on 29 October to discuss possible provincial grant support. The club says it has so far relied on member contributions.

New Management Platform

Nuova Piattaforma Gestionale

ARI announces a new management platform, with training material and information on paying the 2027 membership fees available to sections in the restricted circulars area.

SRAL Office Bulletin 42/2026, 31.10.2026

Suomen Radioamatööriliiton toimiston tiedote 42/2026, 31.10.2026

SRAL's bulletin 42/2026 covers the autumn meeting in Tampere on 21 November, including the election of two board members, plus Swedish-language brochures, exam arrangements and contest and DX news.

DARC seminar centre offers a look at a success story

DARC-Seminarzentrum gewährt Einblicke in eine Erfolgsgeschichte

About 40 volunteers from across Germany attend a DARC seminar for club officials at the Baunatal training centre, which has served as a venue for volunteer training for 20 years.

Membership fees 2027

Quote associative 2027

ARI publishes the 2027 membership fee schedule for its sections, available in the restricted circulars area.

Talk series: Getting Started in Microwaves

Ciclo de charlas: Empezar en Microondas

URE streams a talk titled Getting Started in Microwaves on its YouTube channel on 4 November at 18:30 UTC, with guest speaker Alejandro Fernández, EA4BFK.

H49A – expedition successfully completed

H49A – ekspedicija uspješno završena

A small Croatian team returned on 23 October from Guadalcanal, where it operated eleven days as H49A. It used three IC-7300 transceivers, ACOM amplifiers, dual-band vertical dipole antennas, a 10m Yagi, and low-band verticals, powered by a host's diesel generator.

C56XA: Gambia

C56XA : Gambia

G3XAQ plans another operation from The Gambia as C56XA, active on HF in CW and FT8 from 17 November to 2 December 2026. The station will also enter the CQ WW DX CW Contest, with QSLs via G3SWH or LoTW.

Circuit Boards Are Becoming Scarce

Leiterplatten werden knapp

Europe may face a new electronics bottleneck as printed circuit boards become scarce, according to a heise.de report. Reliance on Asian manufacturers, strong demand from AI hardware and material shortages are cited, with comparisons to the 2020/2021 chip crisis.

Agreed! ORARI Members Uphold Ethics and Strengthen Fellowship Through SES and Special QSO

Sepakat! Anggota ORARI Merawat Etika, Menguatkan Persaudaraan melalui SES dan Special QSO

ORARI members discuss operating etiquette for special event stations and special QSOs, stressing complete callsign announcements amid crowded pileups. Technical challenges such as propagation changes, noise, QRM and equipment limits are also noted.

Presentations wanted for FOSDEM 2027 on 30 and 31 January 2027

Presentaties gezocht voor FOSDEM 2027 op 30 en 31 januari 2027

FOSDEM 2027 takes place on 30 and 31 January 2027 in Brussels, and organizers seek talks for its Amateur Radio DevRoom. The room covers open-source radio software and hardware, including SDR and satellite work.

FunkWX - Halloween Aurora?

FunkWX - Halloween-Aurora?

Fast solar wind from a coronal hole is expected to reach Earth on Halloween, bringing raised geomagnetic activity and possible aurora. Flare risk stays very low, and HF conditions are rated moderate to good.

IOTA: Alexander Selkirk Island

IOTA: Alexander Selkirk ön.

CE3VTZ and XQ7IR plan a 10–12 day operation from Alexander Selkirk Island (IOTA SA-101) in October 2026 as XR0Z, covering 60 to 10 m on FT8, CW and SSB. Gear must be carried on a four-hour hike to the station.

VK9XY: Christmas Island

VK9XY : Christmas Island

A team of operators plans to be active from Christmas Island (IOTA OC-002) as VK9XY, from 16 November to 4 December 2026. Operation covers 160 to 6 metres plus 6 m EME, using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4.

NRRL HF Cup: New name in the lead

NRRL HF Cup: Nye navn i tet

NRRL reports strong HF contesting activity among its groups and members this year, and the standings in the HF Cup now show a new leader.

IBT M17 Update

IBT M17 Aktuell

ÖVSV presents an update on digital voice modes in Austria, focusing on M17. The talk aims to refresh existing users' knowledge and introduce newcomers to the mode.

C8K: Mozambique

C8K : MOZAMBIQUE

A Czech team will operate from Mozambique as C8K from 9 to 20 November 2026, on 160 to 6 metres and 60 m, plus QO-100. Modes include SSB, CW, RTTY, FT8, FT4 and PSK. QSL via OK6DJ, OQRS or LoTW.

LRAL board member Juris Vaļenieks awarded the Order of Viesturs

LRAL valdes loceklim Jurim Vaļeniekam piešķirts Viestura ordenis

Juris Vaļenieks, YL2AO, a board member of the Latvian Radio Amateurs League, has been named an officer of the Order of Viesturs for services to Latvia. The decision was taken on 26 October 2026.

Scientific community honors lifetime achievements of Ulrich L. Rohde, DJ2LR/N1UL

Wissenschaftliche Community würdigt Lebensleistung von Ulrich L. Rohde, DJ2LR/N1UL

Ulrich L. Rohde, DJ2LR/N1UL, receives two honors for his scientific career: a gold Bene merenti medal from the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and a Distinguished Affiliate Professorship from the Technical University of Munich.

AREDN 4.26.10.0 Release

AREDN 4.26.10.0 reduces memory use, lets nodes run several mesh modes or channels at once, and adds more channel options. It also changes tunnel setup, shares WAN access among nodes, and supports two new Ubiquiti devices.

Germany Bulletin 43/2026, Week 44

Deutschland-Rundspruch 43/2026, 44. KW

The weekly DARC news bulletin for calendar week 44 covers OSCAR numbers for the ERMINAZ-2U and -2V PocketQube satellites, another Earth-Venus-Earth experiment, DX rankings, contests and the space weather outlook.

Election for the 2027 general assembly

Valg generalforsamling 2027

NRRL invites members to consider standing for its main board and the presidency ahead of the 2027 general assembly, saying that no prior board experience is required.

Voting instructions published for the Association's upcoming board elections

Äänestysohjeet Liiton tulevissa hallitusvaaleissa julkaistu

SRAL publishes voting instructions for its 2026 board election, in which three candidates compete for two seats. Online voting opens on 4 November at 10:00 and closes on 18 November at 16:00.

SPARC Giant Car Boot Sale: RadioFest Comes to Dromana on 15 November!

SPARC holds a large car boot sale called RadioFest at Dromana on 15 November, offering radio amateurs a chance to buy and sell used gear.

November 2026 magazine in PDF

Revista noviembre 2026 en PDF

The November 2026 issue of the URE magazine can be downloaded as a PDF by members. Contents include a piece on OTA activity in Spain and a feature on SDR receivers under 100 euros.

November 2026 – Magazine

Noviembre 2026 – Revista

The November 2026 issue of the URE magazine is available from the Spanish national amateur radio society.

Lecture at RKZ

Predavanje u RKZ

Željko 9A2EY will give a talk at Radio Club Zagreb on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 18:30, covering the 27th IARU Region 1 conference.

Electron November 2026

Electron november 2026

The November 2026 issue of Electron, the VERON members' magazine, is published.

FunkWX - still quiet today

FunkWX - heute noch ruhig

Geomagnetic activity is expected to stay quiet for now, with active to slightly stormy conditions forecast from Friday night into Saturday due to an equatorial coronal hole. Flare risk is low and DX conditions are often good.

QTC 11/2026.

The Swedish amateur radio society SSA publishes issue 11/2026 of its member magazine QTC.

Exams are on Saturday

PRÓFIN ERU Á LAUGARDAG.

Iceland's amateur radio licence exams take place on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Reykjavík University, with written papers on electronics and radio technology, then regulations. Registration closes at the end of 28 October, and taking the preparatory course is not required.

Amateur Radio Takes Centre Stage at FOSDEM 2027 in Brussels!

The Wireless Institute of Australia reports on an amateur radio presence at FOSDEM 2027, the open-source software conference held in Brussels.

NRRL contributes a presentation at this year's FORF conference

NRRL med to foredrag på åretes FORF-konferanse

NRRL sent 16 members to the annual FORF conference on 24-25 October, which drew 370 participants from rescue volunteer organisations, police and public agencies. NRRL also gave a presentation.

PRESURA 2026 Diploma | EG1PR – Radio for Repopulation

Diploma PRESURA 2026 | EG1PR – Radio por la Repoblación

URE Burgos and the Unión de Radioaficionados de Soria run a special activity with callsign EG1PR and an associated diploma. It coincides with PRESURA 2026, a fair on rural repopulation held in Burgos from 6 to 8 November 2026.

YOTA camp in Belgium, 19 to 23 December 2026

YOTA kamp België van 19 tot 23 december 2026

The Belgian society UBA hosts a sub-regional Youngsters on the Air camp at the Euro Space Center in southern Belgium, 19 to 23 December 2026. Each neighbouring country may send a delegation of three young radio amateurs.

Radio weather: still quiet

FunkWX - weiterhin ruhig

Solar wind is at background level and geomagnetic activity is expected to stay mostly quiet, with Kp between 0 and 2. Solar activity is low, and DX conditions are rated usable to good.

International contests, 31 October to 1 November

ALÞJÓÐLEGAR KEPPNIR 31. OKT. TIL 1. NÓV.

ÍRA lists two international contests running from 12:00 on 31 October to 12:00 on 1 November: the UK/EI DX Contest (SSB, 80–10 m) and the Russian WW Multimode Contest (CW, SSB, RTTY and BPSK).

For Developers...

Winlink has seen a sharp rise in third-party developer requests, which it attributes to AI-assisted coding tools. New production API and client CMS access requests are on hold while onboarding requirements and developer guidelines are drafted.

Talk: Antenna Simulation with 4nec2

Vortrag: Antennensimulation mit 4nec2

DARC hosts an online talk on antenna simulation with the 4nec2 software on 29 October at 19:30 on Treff.DARC. DK3RU covers installation, a dipole example, other antenna types, lossy materials, ground effects, matching networks and optimization.

GridNomad: Turn Your Next Amateur Radio Adventure into a Challenge!

The Wireless Institute of Australia presents GridNomad, a challenge format aimed at making portable and travel-based amateur radio outings more goal-oriented.

The November 2026 Editorial

L'Editoriale di novembre 2026

The ARI president's November editorial looks ahead to the association's centenary in 2027. It proposes using the anniversary to recount ARI's history and to discuss its future with regional committees and local sections.

Open house at Skeljanes on 29 October

OPIÐ HÚS Í SKELJANESI 29. OKTÓBER.

The Icelandic society ÍRA opens its Skeljanes clubhouse to members and guests on Thursday 29 October, from 20:00 to 22:00. The QSL manager will have sorted incoming cards, and coffee is served.

VP2MCV: Montserrat

VP2MCV : Montserrat

Chuck, KG9N, plans to operate as VP2MCV from Montserrat (IOTA NA-103) from 3 to 16 November 2026. Operation covers 160 to 10 metres on SSB, CW and FT8, with QSL via LoTW.

YouTube programme: Radio amateurs' participation in protection and rescue

Emisija na Youtube-u: Sudjelovanje radioamatera u zaštiti i spašavanju

A Croatian education and counselling centre recorded two programmes on civil protection, featuring amateur radio operators and their role in protection and rescue. Both episodes are available on the centre's YouTube channel.

V26JJ: Antigua Island

V26JJ : Antigua Island

A Japanese team (JJ2RCJ, JA3PJL, JH3UHG, JA0JHQ) will operate as V26JJ from Antigua (IOTA NA-100) from 30 October to 6 November 2026. They cover 160 to 10 metres on CW, SSB and FT8; QSL via Club Log OQRS or direct.

Seminar: training mentors in radiocommunications

Seminar – edukacija mentora iz područja radiokomunikacija

The Croatian Radio Amateur Union holds a two-day seminar on 14–15 November 2026 in Zagreb for teachers and amateur mentors. Topics include radiocommunications in schools, building projects for youth competitions, and radio direction finding.

Talks wanted for FOSDEM 2027

Vorträge für die FOSDEM 2027 gesucht

The amateur radio devroom at FOSDEM 2027 in Brussels is seeking talk proposals on open-source radio software and hardware, satellite systems, SDR, propagation monitoring and creative radio hacks.

Want to become a radio amateur? Join the courses!

Gribi kļūt par radioamatieri? Pievienojies kursiem!

The Latvian Radio Amateur League offers free online courses preparing beginners for the amateur radio exam, starting Monday 2 November at 19:00. The exam takes place in Riga on 1 December 2026 and requires separate registration.

Reviving Spirit, Nurturing Brotherhood, Strengthening ORARI Banyumas

Menghidupkan Semangat, Merawat Persaudaraan, Menguatkan ORARI Banyumas

A message to ORARI Banyumas members urges seniors and juniors to keep the unity of the local club, whatever the outcome of the local election meeting, and to keep sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

VERON has been on the internet for 30 years already

De VERON is al weer 30 jaar aanwezig op het internet

VERON marks 30 years of its presence on the internet, opening with a short look back at how the internet developed, starting with the ARPANET of the 1960s.

5000th user registration on Wavelog@DARC

5000. Benutzeranmeldung im Wavelog@DARC

Wavelog@DARC passes 5,000 registered users. The milestone account belongs to ten-year-old Laura, DN9YLL, who recently passed her exam. Wavelog is included in DARC membership and offers logging, award tracking and a contest calendar.

FunkWX - Quiet Conditions

FunkWX - ruhige Lage

DARC's space weather report describes a calm geomagnetic field under normal solar wind, expected to continue at least until Thursday. Solar activity is also low, and DX conditions are rated usable to good.

Is AetherSDR Something for You?

Är AetherSDR något för dig?

AetherSDR is a native client for FlexRadio 6000, 8000 and Aurora radios on Linux, macOS and Windows, running without Wine or virtual machines. Other radios can use it too, and the project is developed largely with AI coding tools plus manual review.

Secretariat closed on 26 October

Uzavření sekretariátu 26.10. -

The Czech Radio Club announces that its secretariat is closed on 26 October.

New ORARI Banten Board for 2026–2031 Installed, Plans to Strengthen Communications and Disaster Readiness

Pengurus Baru ORARI Banten 2026–2031 Dikukuhkan, Cak Noor Siapkan Langkah Nyata Perkuat Komunikasi dan Kesiapsiagaan Bencana

The ORARI Banten regional board for 2026–2031, led by Noor Sodiq (YB1RD), has been formally installed. Its agenda covers repairing a repeater at Citorek, amateur radio licensing exams in Cilegon, and communications support for social activities and disaster response.

Maker Faire Rome 2026: ARI in the Spotlight

Maker Faire Rome 2026: ARI protagonista!

ARI's Rome section, the Alto Lazio section and the young hams of Generazione Futuro – YOTA Italia staffed a stand at Maker Faire Rome, which drew 55,000 visitors, 22% more than last year.

Time's Up for the Leap Second! A Historic Decision With Implications for Amateur Radio

The Wireless Institute of Australia reports on a decision to end the leap second and discusses what the change could mean for amateur radio timekeeping and related operating practices.

Calendar of Major Contests in November 2026

Календар основних змагань в листопаді 2026 року

The Ukrainian Amateur Radio League lists the main contests for November 2026 with dates, bands, modes and log deadlines. It also notes which events apply sanctions to Russian and Belarusian operators.

Excellent Result for TF3CW in CQ WW SSB

FRÁBÆR ÁRANGUR TF3CW Í CQ WW SSB.

TF3CW operated the club station TF3W in the CQ WW SSB contest on 24–25 October, logging 3,921 contacts and 3,426,624 points over 40 hours. At least ten Icelandic callsigns took part.

A Complete Success: The 53rd Dortmund Amateur Radio Market

Ein voller Erfolg: der 53. Dortmunder Amateurfunkmarkt

The 53rd Dortmund Amateur Radio Market, held in Kamen for the first time, drew over 1,000 visitors. It featured a lecture programme and a range of dealers and exhibitors.

Another Earth–Venus–Earth experiment succeeds

Weiteres Erde–Venus–Erde Experiment geglückt

Radio amateurs bounced signals off Venus on 17–18 October 2026, transmitting from the Dwingeloo radio telescope and receiving echoes at Stockert. A multi-hour-averaged M-FSK message, developed with the Open Research Institute, was decoded after roughly 40 minutes of averaging.

The leap second is being abolished: what does it mean?

De schrikkelseconde wordt afgeschaft en wat betekent dit?

The General Conference on Weights and Measures has decided that UTC will drop leap seconds from 20 May 2027. VERON looks at what the change means for digital modes such as FT8, FT4, JS8Call and WSPR.

FunkWX – only three sunspot regions

FunkWX - nur drei Sonnenflecken-Regionen

Slow solar wind keeps geomagnetic activity quiet, with Kp at 0–2, and solar activity is low. Despite only three sunspot regions, DX conditions are partly good.

Current contests, week 44/2026

Aktuelle Conteste KW 44/2026

DARC lists the contests running from 26 October to 1 November 2026, including the OK1WC Memorial, CWT Mini Contests, RSGB FT4 Contest, Russian Multimode Contest, UKEI DX Contest and SK Memorial.

Candidate presentations 2026: 2. Tapio Heiskanen, OH2TH

Ehdokasesittelyt 2026: 2. Tapio Heiskanen, OH2TH

Tapio Heiskanen, OH2TH, from Espoo stands for the SRAL board in the 2026 autumn election. He chairs RATS ry, works in ICT, and is interested in digital voice systems such as DMR and TETRA.

Candidate presentations 2026: 3. Jani Kontturi OH7JANI

Ehdokasesittelyt 2026: 3. Jani Kontturi OH7JANI

Jani Kontturi, OH7JANI, from Liperi is a candidate for the SRAL board. A licensed amateur since 2014, he has worked on backup networks and data networks at the OH7AB club.

Candidate presentations 2026: 4. Mikael Nousiainen OH3BHX

Ehdokasesittelyt 2026: 4. Mikael Nousiainen OH3BHX

Mikael Nousiainen, OH3BHX, a software developer from Hämeenlinna, seeks another term on the SRAL board. He has served since 2020 and worked on member digital services, including the OH3N remote station.

Election committee: SRAL election 2026 – nomination of candidates

Vaalivaliokunta tiedottaa: Suomen Radioamatööriliiton vaali 2026 – ehdokasasettelu

The SRAL election committee lists three candidates for two board seats with three-year terms. Electronic voting opens on 4 November 2026 at 10:00, with details on the SRAL election pages.