I just got this update from the ARRL regarding their services being offline since around May 12, 2024
|
MEMBER BULLETIN
?
June 6, 2024
?
Dear ARRL member,
?
We are writing to inform you of a serious incident that has impacted ARRL¡¯s operations. On or around May 12, 2024, ARRL was the victim of a sophisticated network attack by a malicious international cyber group. We immediately involved the FBI and engaged with third party experts to investigate.
?
On May 16, on the eve of the ARRL National Convention in Ohio, we posted a notice on our website to inform members about the incident. Since then, we have made substantial progress to mitigate the impact of this attack on our organization. We have been posting regular updates, including the status of restored services. Please refer to our dedicated news post at .
?
We are aware that certain members believe we should be openly communicating everything associated with this incident. We are working with industry experts, including cyber crime attorneys and the authorities, who have directed us to be conservative and cautious with our communications while restoring the ARRL network.
?
Many of our services and programs have been impacted by this attack. We have been diligently assessing each system to ascertain the extent of compromise. For example, while the Logbook of The World? server and related user data were unaffected, we have taken the precautionary measure of keeping the service offline until we can ensure the security and integrity of our networks. Similarly, access to Online DXCC is unavailable, although individual award data remains secure.
?
Fortunately, some of our key systems, such as the ARRL website and our association membership system, were unaffected. Despite the severity of the attack, no personal information was compromised. Additionally, ARRL does not store credit card information anywhere on our systems, and we do not collect social security numbers.
?
Our Directors have heard from some members who are concerned about managing their membership renewals. Members can renew online at or by phoning ARRL.
?
We understand the frustration and inconvenience this incident has caused, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as our dedicated staff and partners continue to work tirelessly to restore affected systems and services.
?
Thank you for your ongoing support.
?
|
|
Copyright ? 2024 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.
?
|
|
|
|
? |
|
|
|
|
Re: Dacron Rope, no stretch UV proof Question
I used Mastrant-M 5mm-3/16¡±. ?Very pricey but very comforting to know its there when the wind is gusting over 50mph. ?I have some left over that I would sell at a very reasonable price.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jun 6, 2024, at 2:51 PM, Joy Rabins via groups.io <doghouse3@...> wrote:
?Is this the guy line I would get for my new hex beam??
Dacron Rope, no stretch UV proof. It comes in 1/8",3/16", 6"16" and 1/2" from KF7P.com?
Joy
N6GO
(PS, I told you there would be questions)
|
Dacron Rope, no stretch UV proof Question
Is this the guy line I would get for my new hex beam??
Dacron Rope, no stretch UV proof. It comes in 1/8",3/16", 6"16" and 1/2" from KF7P.com?
Joy
N6GO
(PS, I told you there would be questions)
|
Re: I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam !
I am not sure where to hire someone with ham antenna experience. I did get a name of someone that does TV antennas. I was thinking of going through a handy man type regular company with liability insurance. I'll let you know what I find.?
Joy
N6GO
|
Re: I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam !
that is incredibly exciting Joy! Congratulations!
When you find somebody to do the work on the roof, would you let me know? I expect one or more roof mounted masts are in my future, but I do want to hire some kind of professional who does this regularly to do it. ??
congratulations again and enjoy!!!
73, Connie W6efi
On Thu, Jun 6, 2024 at 11:39, Joy Rabins < doghouse3@...> wrote: After 2.5 years of delay I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam. I ordered the side clamps for the mast to have on hand just in case we decide to go in that direction. Also ordered the BAL-8 Snap on kit. I think I have the rotor and thrust bearing figured out and will order that along with guy lines from either HRO or DX engineering. I know you are supposed to use special guy lines that have UV protection. Does anything happen to know the specifics of what to order??
I want to add a separate wire antenna for 30, 40 and maybe 80 meters. I have seen in photos and heard of people installing them under the hex beam. Not sure how the attachment works so expect some more questions on that.
I'm going to hire someone to do everything required on the roof because I won't let my husband up there due to some medical issues. We have another engineer friend who is going to come over and help assemble it on the patio in the back yard.?
I'm still not sure what my husband has in mind for the mast. I purchased a ROHN 9H50 push up mast 2.5 years ago that is 5 sections and has a max height of 34 feet. But he is thinking of getting something with 10 foot sections so there wouldn't be as many guy lines to deal with.
The good news is because this is an antenna for ham radio, Sunnyvale doesn't require a permit. His plan is to bolt the mast in two places on the side of the house. He has done this in the past with a C band/KU band antenna which did require a permit from the city. Once it went up it was up to stay until he took it down. I expect the same for this attachment to the house.?
Since we are "newbies" doing this with no real ham experience putting up antennas or connecting everything together, expect a lot more questions.?
Here are the first couple of questions
Do we need a lightning arrestor?
Does anyone know what to ordernfor the guy lines that have UV protection??
Thanks
Joy
N6GO
--
Connie KN2EFI
|
Re: I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam !
On Thu, Jun 6, 2024 at 12:34 PM, Dick Grote wrote:
K6PBF
Thanks Dick, my husband had also looked at the stand offs from DX engineering and we will get them from them. I would be interested in how the wire antenna connects to the mast. We wanted to have the rotor near the bottom in the event in needs repair in the future.? Any information or advice of what to do.....or not to do is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joy N6GO
|
Re: I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam !
Joy, I put up my hex beam a little over 10 years ago and it has
stood the test of time.?? My mast is a 17' push up that is
attached to the side of my second story so that the antenna is
probably 6' about the roof.? The rotator sits on top of the mast
so there is no thrust bearing involved.? There are 2 sets of guy
nylon guy lines.? The antenna is attached to the side of the
second story with two stand-offs I got from DX engineering.?? With
a little hunting, I can find part numbers of everything I have up
there if you are interested and I have photos I can share at
lunch/ops.
I also have a combo 30/40 up which works well for a dipole.? I've
lost the dipole in a storm, but the hex has stood strong.
Dick K6PBF
On 6/6/2024 11:39 AM, Joy Rabins wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
After 2.5 years of delay I just put in my order for a KIO hex
beam. I ordered the side clamps for the mast to have on hand just
in case we decide to go in that direction. Also ordered the BAL-8
Snap on kit. I think I have the rotor and thrust bearing figured
out and will order that along with guy lines from either HRO or DX
engineering. I know you are supposed to use special guy lines that
have UV protection. Does anything happen to know the specifics of
what to order??
I want to add a separate wire antenna for 30, 40 and maybe 80
meters. I have seen in photos and heard of people installing them
under the hex beam. Not sure how the attachment works so expect
some more questions on that.
I'm going to hire someone to do everything required on the roof
because I won't let my husband up there due to some medical
issues. We have another engineer friend who is going to come over
and help assemble it on the patio in the back yard.?
I'm still not sure what my husband has in mind for the mast. I
purchased a ROHN 9H50 push up mast 2.5 years ago that is 5
sections and has a max height of 34 feet. But he is thinking of
getting something with 10 foot sections so there wouldn't be as
many guy lines to deal with.
The good news is because this is an antenna for ham radio,
Sunnyvale doesn't require a permit. His plan is to bolt the mast
in two places on the side of the house. He has done this in the
past with a C band/KU band antenna which did require a permit from
the city. Once it went up it was up to stay until he took it down.
I expect the same for this attachment to the house.?
Since we are "newbies" doing this with no real ham experience
putting up antennas or connecting everything together, expect a
lot more questions.?
Here are the first couple of questions
Do we need a lightning arrestor?
Does anyone know what to ordernfor the guy lines that have UV
protection??
Thanks
Joy
N6GO
|
I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam !
After 2.5 years of delay I just put in my order for a KIO hex beam. I ordered the side clamps for the mast to have on hand just in case we decide to go in that direction. Also ordered the BAL-8 Snap on kit. I think I have the rotor and thrust bearing figured out and will order that along with guy lines from either HRO or DX engineering. I know you are supposed to use special guy lines that have UV protection. Does anything happen to know the specifics of what to order??
I want to add a separate wire antenna for 30, 40 and maybe 80 meters. I have seen in photos and heard of people installing them under the hex beam. Not sure how the attachment works so expect some more questions on that.
I'm going to hire someone to do everything required on the roof because I won't let my husband up there due to some medical issues. We have another engineer friend who is going to come over and help assemble it on the patio in the back yard.?
I'm still not sure what my husband has in mind for the mast. I purchased a ROHN 9H50 push up mast 2.5 years ago that is 5 sections and has a max height of 34 feet. But he is thinking of getting something with 10 foot sections so there wouldn't be as many guy lines to deal with.
The good news is because this is an antenna for ham radio, Sunnyvale doesn't require a permit. His plan is to bolt the mast in two places on the side of the house. He has done this in the past with a C band/KU band antenna which did require a permit from the city. Once it went up it was up to stay until he took it down. I expect the same for this attachment to the house.?
Since we are "newbies" doing this with no real ham experience putting up antennas or connecting everything together, expect a lot more questions.?
Here are the first couple of questions
Do we need a lightning arrestor?
Does anyone know what to ordernfor the guy lines that have UV protection??
Thanks
Joy
N6GO
|
David,
Can you send them a pic to prove the fault?? Insist they waive the fee and pay shipping both ways.??
On Wed, Jun 5, 2024 at 9:37 PM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: During a recent ops session, I commented to some that I suspected something was wrong with my new Alpha Loop antenna. I was making very few contacts and noted a scratchy sound in the receiver when tuning the antenna near resonance.
I found the problem today. As the pic shows, the plates of one section of the variable cap were shorting when fully meshed, or nearly so. This was immediately visually obvious, and an Ohmmeter check confirmed a dead short in certain tuning positions (as with the AlexLoop, the two sections are in series, so only by opening the box could the continuity check be made).?
I am baffled as to how something that cost so much for so little could go out the door in such obviously defective condition, apparently without real testing. Does Alpha have any QC at all??
As a parenthetic, I noted that as with the AlexLoop, within the main coax loop the center conductor and shield are shorted, though only the center SO-239 pin is connected inside the box.?
I think I can simply bend the cap plates to fix the problem. However, I first plan to diplomatically but nonetheless emphatically communicate my displeasure to Alpha and see what they offer. They should be embarrassed and IMO should send me a replacement box. I had contacted them previously, and they wanted me to ship the antenna back to them at my cost and pay them $25. to test and ship back the product ().?
Suggestions? Best, --David KM6RI
|
Good question, but I'm pretty sure it was not damaged in shipping. There was no visible damage to the shipping container (though they didn't provide any packing material), there is no damage to the tuning knob and the tuning is mechanically very smooth. Furthermore, the second section of the cap looks fine (it seems shipping damage would have affected both sections). I have been very careful with it during my ownership.?
On the positive side, the build quality is otherwise impressive and Alpha has earned a very positive reputation for customer satisfaction. We'll see how they respond.
Best, --David KM6RI?
|
David, was it always that way?? Maybe shipping damage?
On June 5, 2024 9:36:53 PM PDT, "David via groups.io" <dkvarn@...> wrote:
During a recent ops session, I commented to some that I suspected something was wrong with my new Alpha Loop antenna. I was making very few contacts and noted a scratchy sound in the receiver when tuning the antenna near resonance.
I found the problem today. As the pic shows, the plates of one section of the variable cap were shorting when fully meshed, or nearly so. This was immediately visually obvious, and an Ohmmeter check confirmed a dead short in certain tuning positions (as with the AlexLoop, the two sections are in series, so only by opening the box could the continuity check be made).?
I am baffled as to how something that cost so much for so little could go out the door in such obviously defective condition, apparently without real testing. Does Alpha have any QC at all??
As a parenthetic, I noted that as with the AlexLoop, within the main coax loop the center conductor and shield are shorted, though only the center SO-239 pin is connected inside the box.?
I think I can simply bend the cap plates to fix the problem. However, I first plan to diplomatically but nonetheless emphatically communicate my displeasure to Alpha and see what they offer. They should be embarrassed and IMO should send me a replacement box. I had contacted them previously, and they wanted me to ship the antenna back to them at my cost and pay them $25. to test and ship back the product ().?
Suggestions? Best, --David KM6RI
|
Anyone planning to do the PAARA meeting Friday?
Best, --David KM6RI
|
During a recent ops session, I commented to some that I suspected something was wrong with my new Alpha Loop antenna. I was making very few contacts and noted a scratchy sound in the receiver when tuning the antenna near resonance.
I found the problem today. As the pic shows, the plates of one section of the variable cap were shorting when fully meshed, or nearly so. This was immediately visually obvious, and an Ohmmeter check confirmed a dead short in certain tuning positions (as with the AlexLoop, the two sections are in series, so only by opening the box could the continuity check be made).?
I am baffled as to how something that cost so much for so little could go out the door in such obviously defective condition, apparently without real testing. Does Alpha have any QC at all??
As a parenthetic, I noted that as with the AlexLoop, within the main coax loop the center conductor and shield are shorted, though only the center SO-239 pin is connected inside the box.?
I think I can simply bend the cap plates to fix the problem. However, I first plan to diplomatically but nonetheless emphatically communicate my displeasure to Alpha and see what they offer. They should be embarrassed and IMO should send me a replacement box. I had contacted them previously, and they wanted me to ship the antenna back to them at my cost and pay them $25. to test and ship back the product ().?
Suggestions? Best, --David KM6RI
|
Re: Where can I find a 10 ft galvanized steel mast pole in the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara
Thanks everyone.......Ask 4 hams, get 9 answers. I'm giving all your suggestions to my husband.?
Joy]N6GO
|
Re: Where can I find a 10 ft galvanized steel mast pole in the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara
Alan Steel, 101 and Woodside road (east side of 101). I would use aluminium, your choice steel is probably cheaper.
Dave
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 01:47:43 PM PDT, Peter Wanger - WA6ECH via groups.io <pkwanger@...> wrote:
Dave Cassler used chain link fence top rail
|
I plan to be at the Baylands starting with lunch. I hope the condx will be better than the last few weeks.
Hiroki AH6CY
|
Re: Where can I find a 10 ft galvanized steel mast pole in the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara
Dave Cassler used chain link fence top rail
|
Fw: [NCDXC Chat] LoTW Outage-An update from the ARRL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Paul N6PSE via Chat" <chat@...> To: "NCDXC Discussion List" <chat@...> Cc: Sent: Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM Subject: [NCDXC Chat] LoTW Outage-An update from the ARRL Hot off the Press:
ARRL Systems Service Disruption06/04/2024Updated 6/4/2024 On or around May 12, 2024, ARRL was the victim of a sophisticated network attack by a malicious international cyber group. ARRL immediately involved the FBI and engaged with third party experts to investigate. This serious incident was extensive and categorized by the FBI as ¡°unique,¡± compromising network devices, servers, cloud-based systems, and PCs. ARRL management quickly established an incident response team. This has led to an extensive effort to contain and remediate the networks, restore servers, and staff are beginning the testing of applications and interfaces to ensure proper operation. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our staff continue to work through this with an outstanding team of experts to restore full functionality to our systems and services. We will continue to update members as advised and to the extent we are able. _______________________________________________ Chat mailing list Chat@...
|
Re: Where can I find a 10 ft galvanized steel mast pole in the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara area
Joy,
I have a 10ft X 2in od galvinized steel conduit section (threads on both ends) that appears to be exactly what you are looking for.
You are welcome to it for free.?
I was going to use it for a mast as well but decided on something else.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Connie, Does it have 10 foot sections?
Joy
N6GO
|
Re: Where can I find a 10 ft galvanized steel mast pole in the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara
Cliff,?
In a previous email, you said,?
pipe is measured by inside diameter; tubing is by outside diameter."
And I gave examples that the actual measurement can be very different from the nominal size.
The point is that hams (and others) building something out of pipes need to double check the dimensions.? Otherwise it can be a big surprise that you need a 1" U-bolt to hold a 1/2" pipe.
On Monday, June 3, 2024 at 01:19:44 PM PDT, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote:
That's why it's called NPS, nominal pipe size.? None of the pipe size names match the actual ID.? It's a national standard.? In fact there are multiple standards, ASME, API, ANSI. This is a dumb conversation. On June 3, 2024 12:03:37 PM PDT, Paul AA6PZ <aa6pz@...> wrote:
It¡¯s not that simple.
For example,three varieties of PVC are commonly used for sprinkler systems. None have an ID of 0.500". So if the dimensions are important, it is necessary to check the tables.?
|
OD
|
ID
|
Schedule 80
|
.840
|
.562
|
Schedule 40
|
.840
|
.602
|
1120
|
.840
|
.716
|
BTW, Schedule 40 is
most commonly used for long runs and schedule 80 for the risers.
1120 should only be used if you are really cheap, because it is very
easily broken.
On Monday, June 3, 2024 at 10:55:04 AM PDT, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote:
Paul, pipe is measured by inside diameter; tubing is by outside diameter. On June 3, 2024 9:59:24 AM PDT, Paul AA6PZ <aa6pz@...> wrote:
If you want STURDY, get galvanized water pipe.? Pluming supply stores have it in 20 ft lengths.? But the thicker walls make it much heavier than EMT.??
I'm sure EMT would more than adequate for 2 meters.? For 20 meters you would want to be careful in how you stand it? up.? Once up and properly guyed, it should be fine.
BTW, the "trade sizes" of pipes do not match the dimensions on my ruler. ?1 1/2 inch pipe has OD of 1.9"
?2 inch pipe has OD of 2.37"
My best guess is that pipe sizes were originally developed in the 1800's.? Over time, improved manufacturing processes and materials allowed for thinner walls, but the OD's were kept the same so existing fittings would be compatible.? Anyway, the ID of current pipes is "similar" to the trade size.? But if the dimensions are important, check with a table of the dimensions.
BTW, I have a tri-band beam on a mast of water pipe.? It was installed years ago.?
On Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 11:15:21 PM PDT, Christopher AI6KG <ch@...> wrote:
The rigidity of tubing?depends on the product of wall thickness and the cube of the diameter.? ? The strength depends on the product of the wall thickness and the square of the diameter.
?? 2"? tubing of reasonable wall thickness will work for a lot of things.? ? ?But of course do your own calcs.? ??
Be aware that EMT is not really strong as some other metal pipes. Electricians routinely bend it to fit installations.?
On Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 06:51:15 PM PDT, Christopher AI6KG < ch@...> wrote:
if you only need to go up 10' (vs needing swaged sections to go up higher), standard galvanized EMT conduit works pretty well.? ? ?? 2" x 10' is ~ $45 at the big box. On Sun, Jun 2, 2024 at 6:05?PM Connie W6EFI via <stillinger= [email protected]> wrote:
I have three sections of steel antenna mast, swaged so that they fit together, and powder coated. Somebody gave them to me and I am not going to use them anytime in the next five or 10 years. ? would you like them, Joy?
On Sun, Jun 2, 2024 at 17:59, Joy Rabins < doghouse3@...> wrote: We are taking our first baby steps for putting up a hex beam. We have a push up mast but we need a support pole about 10 ft tall. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to get one in the Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose area??
I will probably be asking more questions, so "Please Stand By".?
Joy
N6GO
--
Connie KN2EFI
|
David
Cliff Sojourner K6CLS
David W Crocker
Peter Wanger - WA6ECH