There is an abundance of websites, publications, and informational resources available to you as a ham radio operator, to keep you informed on rules, licensing, education, or events. This page lists some of these that might not be listed on our other pages, plus some resources on optional activities.
Times listed are for US Mountain Time, and all HF frequencies are ± QRM, unless otherwise specified.

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Licensing is the topic of another page
Contesting and Spotting are topics of another page
Training topics for nets are on another page
Frequency coordination is on another page
CERT is on another page
ISS and space are topics of another page
Times and dates are topics of another page

Quick Links

General information Events Band conditions Activities The VE program Software (logging, mapping, monitoring, programming) Impaired (any, sight, hearing, mobility, other, death) Publications (periodicals, references) Regulatory (ARRL, SES, IARU, etc.) Gubmit (FCC, complaints, laws, enforcement, etc.) Call signs (info, license plates, vanity, renewal, SK) LDS Church (policies, ERC, other) Installation (vehicle, home) People (monitors, observers, checkers) Other

Informational

ARRL Making Your First Contact (best practices)
Hamdata (interesting ham radio and licensing statistics)
Amateur Radio News
Amateur Radio International News and Opinion
Rocky Mountain Division of ARRL
VOACAP band open predictor
SolarHam ham-related solar conditions (aurora, sunspots, activity, forecast)
World Clocks (real-time, digital, variety of time zones)

Events

Utah Digital Communications Conference (canceled)
Saturday 02-15-2020, 9 am to 9 pm
SLCC Conference Center, 9750 S 300 W, Sandy, Utah
Email utahdcc [at] gmail [dot] com
Utah VHF Society Swap Meet (canceled)
Saturday 02-22-2020, 9 am to noon
Davis County Fairgrounds (151 S 1100 W, Farmington — Legacy Events Center, Building 2)
On the road to the Swapmeet YouTube™ video (10:57) by John Jacobs
Great Utah Shakeout
Thursday 04-15-2021, 10:15 am
Local
More details posted as we know them
City Drill / Shakeout band plan
Provo City Half Marathon (huttonator [at] gmail [dot] com)
Saturday 05-01-2021, 7 am
South Fork Park (Provo Canyon)
Sqauw Peak 50
Saturday 06-12-2021
Big Springs Park (Provo Canyon)
76ers Barbecue
Saturday 06-12-2021, 10 am to 3 pm
Highland Glen Park (American Fork)
Art City Days Parade (artcitydays [at] springville [dot] org)
Friday 06-11-2021, 10 am
Saturday 06-12-2021, 10 am
801-489-2730
Grand Parade Route (starts at Buckley & 400 S)
Orem Summerfest Parade
Saturday 06-12-2021, 7 pm
Parade Route = 800 E to Center St
Field Day
Saturday 06-25-2021 to Sunday 06-26-2021
Co-Op Creek area (north of Strawberry Reservoir, GPS 40.283134, -111.168512)
To register your own Field Day location, go to the ARRL Field Day registration page
Freedom Festival Parade
Monday 9 am 07-05-2021
Grand Parade Route (starts at 960 N University Ave)
Kat'cina Mosa 100
Saturday 08-07-2021
Kelly's Grove (Hobble Creek Canyon)
Orem City Drill
Thursday 09-16-2021, 6 pm
More details posted as we know them
City ham communication plan and City Drill band plan
Utah Valley Swap Meet
Saturday 09-25-2021, 9 am to noon
Spanish Fork North Park Grand Pavilion (1185 N 400 E, Spanish Fork)
Email info [at] utahvalleyswapmeet [dot] com

Band conditions

VOACAP propagation map Real-time frequency and propagation map Real-time MUF map

How to decipher this banner

Activities

SOTAwatch
SOTA Spotter Android app
SOTA Goat iOS app
POTA
POTA sign-up
DXers Handbook (by Bryce anderson K7UA)
Foxhunts

Software

Downloadable applications

Desktop apps

Many of these have mobile counterparts

EchoLink
NBEMS (fldigi) communication software
WinLink communication software
AllStar Link communication software
Broadband-Hamnet (HSMM-Mesh)
PCALE HF linking
EZNEC (antenna analysis)
CoaxTrap coax trap calculator
WSJT-X (and other weak-signal mode support)
HamApps (variety of JT65 apps, WSJT-X, call sign database)
MSK144 meteor scatter software
YagiCAD (difficult to use)
EchoStation repeater-control on Windows
NanoVNA (GitHub) for Windows and Linux
Win4IcomSuite rig-control on Windows of Icom rigs
Supports IC-7100, IC-7300, IC-7610, IC-705, IC-7600, IC-7700, IC-7851, IC-9700
Mac Ham Radio for macOS and iOS

Mobile apps

HamStudy app (very best exam study)
Heavens Above (satellite tracking)

Online tools

Mapping

QSOMAP
DXmaps
Grid square map (US)
Log Analyzer (creates a map based on your uploaded log file)
QSO Map Creator (rudimentary, no-frills)
NAOMI (North American Overlay Mapper)
ADIF Map (by K2DSL)
PSK Reporter and the map display (by Philip Gladstone)
HF DXView (real-time propagation World Map per HF band)
VHF DXView (real-time propagation World Map per the 2-meter band)

Other online tools

CloudRF
Radio Mobile Online (wide area antenna propagation mapping)
HamStudy (very best exam study)
GridMapper Grid Square Locator (QRZ) and this is another
Quick Grid Square Locator (Levine)
DXwatch
DX Info Centre
Solwise Surface Elevation Tool (terrain and elevation analyzer)
Call signs nearby (map of nearby call signs)
Battery life estimator (KK6MC, et al, 08-10-2011)
Tower height calculator and map (Roger Coude, VE2DBE)
HamClock (Elwood Downey, WBØOEW)
MMANA-GAL (antenna simulator by Makoto Mori, JE3HHT)
Signal identifier wiki (can submit an audio or waterfall)

Logging software

N3FJP (my favorite, due to its versatility, ease-of-use, and support)
QRZ logging and swapmeet website
HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe)
W3KM
eQSL
NetLogger
LOTW (Logbook of the World)
QRZCQ (also spotting)
N1MM
GenLog
DXKeeper (how to configure and upload to LoTW [PDF])
LOG4OM
VLS (Android app, on GoogleP lay)

Monitoring software

HamSphere (web ham radio, including waterfall)
WebSDR (web ham radio, including waterfall)
UtahSDR (northern Utah antenna, waterfall)
Ham Radio Deluxe (rig [CAT] control, logbook, satellite tracking)
KiwiSDR (web ham radio, including waterfall, all HF at once)
VOACAP band prediction
VHF Propagation Map real-time band prediction by APRS

Programming software

CHIRP free radio programming software
RT Systems
KC8UNJ
FCC APIs (searching, etc.)

Repositories

HamFiles (manuals, programming software, apps)

Impaired

Any kind / general

Impaired resources (ARRL)
Handiham

Sight

Ham Radio and Vision (speech synthesizers, audible transceivers, VOIP)
QLog demo for FT8 (YouTube 26:37, by Sam Birnbaum W2JDB)
Blind Hams (Groups.io)

Hearing

Placeholder

Mobility

Paralyzed (suggested possibilities from a UK ham, Mike Mulrooney 2EØUMF)

Other

Gayle Sabonaitis, WA1OPN (HamGallery, from CQ Magazine, 04-1975, p. 19)
Gayle and others featured in QST (10-1978, p. 41-43)

Death

Report a Silent Key (ARRL)
Report a Silent Key (QRZ)

Publications

Periodicals

CQ Magazine
QST Magazine
On-the-Air Magazine
73 Magazine (no longer in publication)
antenneX (highly technical) [domain expired]

References

Motorola R56 (highly technical standard, 09-01-2005)

Regulatory

ARRL: The national amateur radio advancement association
We're in the Utah Section and the Rocky Mountain Division The ARRL Amateur Radio Frequency Band Allocation Chart
FCC forms for easy access
Noji's Member ID: 3100153753
A copy of Noji's ARRL membership certificate and card
Lisa's Member ID: 2000865902
A copy of Lisa's card
Eric's Member ID: 2000884157
A copy of Eric's card
How to register your special event
How to obtain a special event call sign
Special event call sign database
Why you should consider joining the ARRL (by Noji)
Rules for international Maritime Mobile
Radiogram template [PDF]
Public Service Honor Roll rules and points (report to the Section Manager)
Utah Section
2022 Q1 Newsletter [PDF]
RAC: Canadian equivalent of the ARRL
IARU: International version of the ARRL

VECs and the VE program

W5YI-VEC: The group that hosts our VEC (volunteer examiner coordinator) To become a VE: Read the VE Application Cover Letter to help you feel welcome Fill out and sign the two-page VE Application Print a Reference Copy of your license by going to the FCC search page and entering your call sign Turn in the two documents to Steve Whitehead, but do not include any kind of payment Read and become familiar with the VE Manual and FCC Part 97 Subpart F Noji's VE Number: 32832 and badge

ARRL-VEC:
Noji's ARRL VE badge and VE certificate
ARRL VE Manual [PDF]
NRE: National Radio Examiners (for commercial licenses)
Noji's Commercial VE Number: 60903 and badge

Government

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)

Obtaining an FRN (FCC Registration Number) [Noji = 0015010283]
FCC Licensing (FRN login)
A reference copy of Noji's ham radio license
A reference copy of Noji's GMRS license (WQOF592)
FCC License Search (no login required)
FRN Search (no login required)
CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)

Title 47 (Telecommunication) and here
Part 97 (Amateur Radio Service)
Part 97 (from the NCVEC)
Part 97 (from Cornell Law School)
FCC Forms (including the 605)
Environmental Assessment
DA 16-1048 [PDF] (must have a copy when operating in CEPT countries)
New FCC Exposure Rules (effective 05-03-2021) and the actual FCC document [PDF] and Worksheet A and Worksheet B
Check a device for FCC certification (FCC Equipment Authorization) [Baofeng UV-5R = ZP5BF-5R (Grantee = ZP5, Product = BF]
OTARD (On-The-Air Reception Devices) rules (FCC) for installing consumer-owned antennas

Enforcement

File an amteur radio complaint (or go directly to the complaint dept)
Unauthorized Radio Operation Guide [PDF]
Amateur enforcement (phone-friendly view and a particular incident)
GMRS Enforcement [PDF]
All enforcement
Video on the revamped Amateur Auxiliary (UVARC meeting, Riley Hollingsworth K4ZDH, 06-04-2020)
One Big Knob (Dayton Hamfest, Riley Hollingsworth K4ZDH, 01-14-2012)

Amateur station compliance (because we have stations that can transmit with greater than 50 W PEP)
OET Bulletin 65 (Evaluating Maximum Human Exposure)
How to calculate compliance (PDF)
How to calculate compliance (PPT)
Online compliance calculator
RF Safety FAQ
FCC statement on RF safety (no evidence of risk)
The following table is the set of compliance calculations for the minimum distances between people within your household (controlled) or outside your property (uncontrolled) perimeter and the point of RF exposure (antenna) for a 100 W transmitter using an antenna with 9 dBi gain under normal QSO (50% duty cycle) operations:

Band	Household	Outside
80 m	2'	4'
40 m	2'	4'
20 m	5'	10'
17 m	6'	13'
15 m	7'	15'
12 m	8'	18'
10 m	10'	21'
6 m	10'	21'
2 m	13'	30'
70 cm	13'	30'

Call signs and license plates

Information

Call sign info
Call sign rules and according to the FCC
Call signs by license class and group
FCC call sign search
ARRL call sign search
QRZ call sign search

FCC Bulletin Call Sign
or by (5-digit) ZIP code
(under construction)
RadioReference call sign search
HamCall call sign search and more
City Data call sign search and history
FCC call sign bulletins
Worldwide call sign allocations (ARRL)

Vanity call signs

Vanity call sign info
Intro to vanity call signs
Get your own vanity call sign through the W5YI group
Apply for a vanity call sign directly through the FCC (requires your FRN, but is free)
• Search for the vanity call sign you want, to be sure it isn't already taken
• Log on to the FCC License Manager and click the call sign you want to change
• On the right nav select Request Vanity Call Sign, then click Continue on the following page
• Click Primary station preference list and Continue
• Enter up to 25 vanity call sign(s) you want to apply for and click Continue
• Make sure your name and address appear correct, then click Continue
• Complete and submit the online application

License plates

Utah amateur radio license plates

Fill out the application form, then print it out and sign it Print out a reference copy of your amateur radio license: Go to the FCC license search page Enter your call sign and click Search Click your call sign Near the top of the page, under your name, click Reference Copy Make a $21 check out to Utah State Tax Commission Mail the application, your license copy, and the check to Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division PO Box 30412 Salt Lake City, Utah 84130

I took the plunge

Your plates should arrive in the mail about three to five weeks from the date of your payment

Renewing your license

Steps to renew your license:
• Locate your FRN by searching for your call sign
• Log in to the FCC License Manager using your FRN and password
• Click your call sign
• If your license is Eligible For Renewal, click the Begin the renewal process link
• Check the Licensee Name and Address box to update your name spelling, address, phone number, and email address if any of these is not current, then click Continue
• Leave the answers to both exempt questions as No
• Enter your name and date for the digital signature, and click Submit Application
• The FCC website will display a confirmation page, indicating a successful application


Here's how to renew your license for free
Also, if you're an ARRL member, they'll renew your license free-of-charge if you simply send an email to vec@arrl.org, asking them to renew yours, and include your name and call sign in the email

Silent key

SilentKey HQ call sign search and history
Amateur Callbooks (look up old call signs)
Radio Amateur Call Book (look up old call signs)
You can obtain the call sign of a close deceased relative immediately and the FCC rules on the same

LDS Church

Policies

The LDS Church does not permit amateur radio clubs or associations (including MARA) to use Church meetinghouses to hold association meetings or club events, according to a published statement
LDS Church wards and stakes are not permitted to purchase or accept donated satellite telephone or amateur radio equipment for emergency use or for installation in a meetinghouse, and no permanent installation of amateur radio equipment or antennas is permitted on any Church meetinghouse, according to a published statement
No mock disasters permitted

ERC

Lindon ERC: LDS Emergency Response Communications (Lindon Bishops' Storehouse)
Southern California ERC (SCIRA)
Role of the ERC (by Noji)

Other resources

Overall emergency communication planning guidelines (mentions involvement by storehouses and their nets)
Emergency Preparedness Specialist Guidelines (learn your calling duties)
Use LDS Maps to enter an address or ward
LDS Church role in VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster)
By participating in VOAD, the LDS Church is an official part of the US community response; see also the main NVOAD website
LDS ham radio preparedness (by Noji)

Installation

Vehicle installation Precision Auto Experts (Steve Whitehead) 744 N State St, Orem 84057 801-225-0600 service [at] precisionautoexperts [dot] com Jam Master (Jason) 174 S 500 E, American Fork 84003 801-602-5040 DIY mobile radio installation considerations (PPT by Noji) Home installation How to install the Pockrus J-pole (shopping list, tools, instructions)

People

Volunteer Monitors

Volunteer Monitor program
Volunteer Monitor program application
Video on the revamped Amateur Auxiliary (UVARC meeting, Riley Hollingsworth, 06-04-2020)

Official Observers

OO program to be retired
Brett Sutherland, N7KG (Coordinator)
Brett's website
Keith McQueen, KB7M

Utah Card Checkers

Darryl Hazelgren, K7UT
10957 S Birch Creek Rd
South Jordan, UT 84095
801-580-9636
darryl [at] hazelgren [dot] net

Donald Butler, N5LZ
45 S 100 E
Mendon, UT 84325
435-752-2190
n5lz [at] comcast [dot] net

James Lawrence, W7CT
1031 Walburk Ave
Layton, UT 84040
801-546-4399
jim.w7ct [at] gmail [dot] com

Other

Stuff

DXCC Card Checker (ARRL)
ARRL First Contact Award and detailed instructions for filling out the application
ARRL (Rocky Mountain Division) Awards (Ham of the Year, Young Ham of the Year, etc.)
ARRL hamfest rules