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W9DC North America Amateur Radio checkpoint for IOTA Islands on the Air and WLH World Lighthouse award applications and award instructions; Island and lighthouse award links for international radio operator activities

W9dc north america amateur radio checkpoint for iota islands on the air and wlh world lighthouse award applications and award instructions

The RBN S-Meter visualizes real-time HF propagation data from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN). It processes thousands of automated spots per hour, providing a real-time picture of active RF paths on HF bands. Users can set their vantage point using _Region Mode_ or _Grid Square Mode_. Region Mode allows selection from broad geographic areas like E. North America or Europe, while Grid Square Mode uses a Maidenhead grid square and radius for more precise data. The app displays eight region panels, each with horizontal bars for bands 160m through 6m, indicating signal strength with a color ramp from green to red. A dimmer trail shows peak hold values, and an S-unit readout provides additional detail. The app is a free web application accessible on any device, offering a practical tool for ham radio operators interested in CW, RTTY, and FT8 signals. It features a Progressive Web App installation option for enhanced usability on mobile and desktop platforms. Users can install it on Android, iOS, and Windows devices, providing a native app-like experience. The app replaces the previous Windows standalone executable, incorporating user feedback to improve features like grid square mode and automatic location detection.

The High Point Amateur Radio Club (HPARC), operating under the callsign W4UA, provides a central hub for amateur radio enthusiasts in High Point, North Carolina, and surrounding communities. The club's website outlines its long-standing traditions and civic service, which date back to the 1930s, highlighting its sustained leadership and strong membership support over decades. It serves as a resource for individuals interested in obtaining or upgrading an FCC amateur radio license, offering assistance through direct contact with club officers. The site also features a newsletter archive for meeting notices and information on club activities, including Field Day. HPARC's diverse membership shares a common interest in the amateur radio hobby, encompassing various aspects such as VHF, UHF, HF, and digital modes like D-STAR. The club's commitment to public service is evident through its involvement in ARES and Skywarn, alongside educational initiatives for new hams and those pursuing license upgrades. The site also lists repeaters and provides information on emergency communications, technical projects, and participation in events like DXCC and contests, reflecting the broad interests of its members.

The earliest known historical record of the name Uzice is found in a document in the Ragusan archives, dated October 9th, 1329. In memory of this date, October 9th is now Uzice City Day. Earlier settlements in the vicinity date back to the Neolithic times. Throughout history, this area has been at a crossroads connecting economies and cultures North-South and East-West. To this day, Uzice is an important economic, industrial and cultural center. Award is active from October 1st to October 16th each year. To win you have to collect enough points making contacts (QSOs) with amateur radio stations which base locations are in the Uzice City Area.

The article by Guy Olinger, K2AV, published in the May/June 2012 National Contest Journal, introduces the Folded Counterpoise (FCP), a compact 516-foot single-wire counterpoise elevated at 8 feet, designed for 160-meter operations on small lots like 100x150-foot backyards. Originating from efforts to revive Top Band for W0UCE on a postage-stamp property, the FCP uses strategic folds to cancel ground fields within 33 feet of center, minimizing losses to 0.13-0.53 dB—outperforming sparse or on-ground radials by up to 15 dB in poor soil—while mimicking opposed radials for efficient feedpoint impedance. Paired with a critical 1:1 or 4:1 isolation transformer (e.g., trifilar on T300-2 toroid) to block common-mode currents on coax feeds, it delivers proven results: K2AV's #8 North America low-power contest score, 7+ dB gains at W4KAZ and K5AF, and over 10,000 global web hits for DIY instructions using bare 12 AWG wire and weatherproof enclosures. Ideal for acreage-challenged hams, the FCP also excels on 80 meters with scaled dimensions, offering a low-loss alternative where full radials are impractical

The LICW Challenge is a daily event for ham radio operators, with special weekly on-air classes. It resets quarterly and covers bands from 160m to 2m, focusing on CW only. The event offers various point values based on member categories and bonus opportunities. Participants use specific calling frequencies and a CQ format to exchange information. Bonus points are awarded for specific criteria like contacts outside North America or special monthly members. The goal is to work as many LICW members as possible on different bands to earn points and bonuses.