CHU time standard transmissions to end on 6/22/26

 

The National Research Council (NRC) of Canada announced that the station's transmissions will cease. The NRC's official shortwave time signal is scheduled to permanently stop broadcasting on June 22, 2026.

National Research Council Canada station CHU was one of the world’s best-known shortwave time signal stations. Operating continuously from near Ottawa, Ontario, CHU transmitted official Canadian time signals on three frequencies: 3330 kHz, 7850 kHz and 14670 kHz. The station broadcast 24 hours a day using atomic-clock-derived timing signals. Listeners would hear precise one-second ticks, minute markers, bilingual voice announcements, and digital time codes. Unlike ordinary broadcast stations, CHU served a technical purpose. Engineers, researchers, surveyors, broadcasters, radio operators, and hobbyists used it to synchronize clocks and calibrate equipment with remarkable precision.

More info at: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/chu-short-wave-station/

Good article: https://swling.com/blog/2026/05/canadas-chu-will-go-silent-on-shortwave-on-june-22-2026/

New Ham Jumpstart Program

 

QRZ New Ham Jumpstart Program

Through a partnership with GigaParts, this program is designed to lower the barrier to entry into amateur radio by providing new hams with a high quality radio for only $19.99 (plus tax and shipping). Effective April 15, 2026, new hams will be entitled to a 50% discount on the Explorer QRZ-1 VHF/UHF handheld transceiver, as well as a variety of accessories.

The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the program. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. 

This program is available exclusively to USA licensed amateur radio operators who obtained their first license from the FCC within the last 6 months. The Jumpstart program may be changed or terminated without notice based on availability and corporate sponsors.

Get more details here: https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart

SkyWarn Training - Syracuse on 5/20/26

 

Register here: https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachskywarntraining

Cortland Hamfest - Sat. June 13, 2026

 

More info at: https://skylinehamradioclub.org/

Lockport Summer Hamfest - 6/6/26

 

More info at: https://www.lockportara.us/home

SteppIR reurning to support Amateur radio market

 SteppIR, which announced in June 2025 that it was halting production of its popular antennas for the amateur radio market, is now returning to the ham radio business. 

A statement last week on the Stepp IR website said that although SteppIR had decided last year to focus on commercial sales, recent favorable developments in that sector are permitting the company to resume supplying hams with antenna kits, parts and accessories as before. The ham radio market will be served only by online sales.

Speaking with folks who own their antennas, all praise of their quality, performance and aesthetics. Most seem to feel that SteppIR antennas fill an important niche, as a great performing beam, for those who want a limited visual and wind load footprint. Most also acknowledge the higher price you pay for this higher end level of product.

learn more at: https://consumer.steppir.com/