Wednesday July 30th: Topic with KC1HHK: Whistleblower!

NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY

National Whistleblower Day commemorates July 30th, 1778, the day the Continental Congress passed a historic and unanimous resolution. The resolution honored ten sailors and marines who spoke out against their commander's abuses of his office. In doing so, the Founding Fathers declared it was the duty of all Americans, "to give the earliest information to Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds, or misdemeanors." In modern terms, it is an American necessity to report corruption when they suspect it. The United States Senate first recognized National Whistleblower Day in 2013.

National Whistleblowers Day on July 30 commemorates the day our Founding Fathers recognized the need to protect those who report corruption when they see it. The day reminds us to honor and support the people who speak up about fraud, abuse, or waste.

#NationalWhistleblowerDay

A whistleblower is an individual who reports suspicious activity. These activities include violations, exploitation, misrepresentations, or other infractions. The activity may be within an organization, either public or private. Notably, the history of whistleblowers is long and often trying. While legislation now protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers (see Gravitt below), they still carry a heavy burden. Usually, once they have filed a report, legal battles follow.

The day commemorates events put into motion by Lieutenant Richard Marven and midshipman Samuel Shaw in 1777. Considered the first whistleblowers in the United States, Marven and Shaw served in the Continental Navy. The two men, along with eight other sailors, reported abuses against British prisoners by Commodore Esek Hopkins. As a result of the sailors' reports, the Continental Congress enacted the world's first law protecting whistleblowers.

One of the most notable whistleblowers in the United States government was Mark Felt. Known for years as Deep Throat, he was crucial to helping Washington Post reporters Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein bring to light the Watergate scandal. From 1972 to 1974, they investigated wiretapping and theft connected to President Richard Nixon's reelection campaign.

Notable Whistleblowers

However, the government is not the only place these crimes take place. From banking and big business to non-profits, whistleblowers report activity to help stop it. Some organizations promote the day with special events such as the National Whistleblower Center. Other noted whistleblowers include:

Peter Buxtun - 1932 - Public Health Service - The Public Health Service along with the Tuskegee Institute, launched a study that became known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. In 1968, Buxtun, along with others, raised concerns about the study after it was revealed men in the study were not offered treatment when penicillin became widely available.
Frank Serpico - 1967 - New York Police Department - As a New York PD detective, Serpico blew the whistle on corruption in the New York PD. His report prompted an investigation by the Knapp Commission, shaking up the entire department.
John Michael Gravitt - 1970s - General Electric - The U.S. government contracted GE during the development of the B-1 Bomber. As a foreman for GE, Gravitt filed a complaint with the government explaining GE billed for work completed on the B-1 Bomber. Instead, GE had been working on other projects. GE fired Gravitt soon after he filed the report. His job loss led to a lawsuit and eventual legislation, making it easier for workers to file claims.

Potentially, anyone working in the private sector, local or federal government, can file a claim. If they see suspicious activity causing fraud, abuse, or waste, their report ultimately protects consumers, taxpayers, and the public.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WHISTELBLOWER DAY

Learn more about those who report fraud, waste, and abuse. Discover the protections in place for them, too. Review your company or organization's ethics policies. Read about or watch documentaries about whistleblowers. We found a few for you to review:

Silenced directed by James Spione
Crisis of Conscience by Tom Mueller
The Corporate Whistleblower's Survival Guide: A Handbook for Committing the Truth by Tarek F. Maassarani and Tom Devine

Wednesday July 23rd: Topics with KC1HHK: Awards, Nets, & QSL Cards

Awards: Talking about achieving awards like Worked All States (WAS) or DX Century Club (DXCC).
Nets: Participating in and discussing different types of ham radio nets (formal on-air gatherings).
QSL Cards: Sharing information about collecting and exchanging QSL cards (confirmation cards).

Net Discussion Questions:

· Do you actively seek out AWARDS either thru QRZ or other organizations?

· How many nets are you involved with every week?

· Do you send out QSL cards?

Monday July 21th: Topic with KC1SOO: SSTV - Slow Scan TV

ISS and SSTV

SSTV - A method of transmitting still images over narrow bandwidths, primarily used by amateur radio operators. It was developed by Copthorne Macdonald in 1957-58 as a way to send images using standard radio equipment and techniques. Instead of the high-speed scanning used in conventional television, SSTV uses much slower scan rates, allowing images to be transmitted within the bandwidth of a typical voice transmission.

Here's a more detailed look at the history of SSTV:

Early Development (1957-1960s):
Copthorne Macdonald, a radio amateur, is credited with developing the first SSTV system. He focused on using 120 lines and about 120 pixels per line to transmit black and white images within a 3 kHz telephone channel. Early tests were conducted on the 11-meter ham band.
Space Exploration:
SSTV was used in early space exploration. Astronaut Gordon Cooper transmitted SSTV images from the Faith 7 spacecraft. SSTV was also used to transmit images of the far side of the Moon from the Luna 3 probe.
Amateur Radio Adoption:
SSTV gained popularity among amateur radio operators, especially in the 1970s, as a way to exchange images over the airwaves.
Technological Advancements:
Over time, SSTV technology advanced with the development of color transmission methods and more sophisticated software for both transmitting and receiving images. Modern SSTV utilizes computer software and digital modes to handle image processing and transmission.
Modern SSTV:
Today, SSTV remains a popular mode among amateur radio enthusiasts, offering a unique way to share visual content using radio waves. It has also inspired new experimental formats like Very Slow Scan Television (VSSTV), which further pushes the boundaries of image transmission over radio.

Did you participate in the recent ISS SSTV contest?

July 14 - July 20

The ARISS Series 28 SSTV event, featuring Soyuz-Apollo and STS-51-F memories is underway on 145.800 MHz FM.

The gallery is back up and ready to take your image decodes. Send your SSTV images to

https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_SSTV/ and opt-in to get a certificate for this event.

Remember, these transmissions are 2 minutes on and 2 minutes off.

Friday July 18th: Topic with KC1QQM: Sleep-- How About It?

Since we all need sleep: Generally, how much do you sleep daily now .

Do you ever nap during the day.

Are you a night hawk or early riser or both ??

And What works best for you for a good night of sleep. . ??

Wednesday July 16th: Topics with KC1HHK: Top HTs and JFK, Jr. This Date 1999

Ham Radio Equipment – Top HT’s 2025

Top 5 Handheld Ham Radios in 2025

1. Kenwood TH-D75A - $750

2. Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus - $350

3. Yaesu FT-65R - $110

4. Yaesu FT5DR - $400

5. Baofeng BF-F8HP Pro - $70

Every ham radio operator needs a good handheld radio. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your toolkit, finding the right handheld radio can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. To help, the Ham Radio Prep team reviewed all the major models available in 2025 to bring you their picks for the top 5 handheld ham radios this year.

They considered price, functionality, modes of operation, ease of use, and overall value when ranking these radios.

The Baofeng BF-F8HP Pro is an excellent entry-level radio with an unbeatable price point. Built on Baofeng’s popular platform, it features an upgraded 8-watt output and a full-color screen for added functionality. This radio transmits on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands and also doubles as a versatile receiver, picking up FM broadcast, weather services, aviation bands, and GMRS frequencies.

It’s an excellent option for beginners due to its affordability and ease of use. Even experienced hams often keep a Baofeng handy as a backup or for casual use. With this radio you can expect to work simplex contacts in the 5 mile range and hit local repeaters in town to give your signal even longer reach.

Because of their price points, the Baofengs are very popular ham radios, and it’s hard to go wrong here. Even experienced hams often have one lying around, in their truck, or a part of a go kit.

Yaesu’s FT5DR is a feature-packed handheld perfect for hams looking to explore digital modes and APRS functionality. Its rugged design includes waterproofing and a large color touchscreen, making it durable and user-friendly.

Supporting the System Fusion (C4FM) digital mode, the FT5DR is easy to set up and operate, even for those new to digital. The addition of Bluetooth, APRS, and a MicroSD slot for programming and recording makes this radio a top choice for advanced users.

The Yaesu FT-65R stands out for its rugged design and reliability, making it a favorite for emergency communications. Its straightforward programming and strong manufacturer support make it a great choice for those prioritizing durability over advanced features.

With a cost-effective price point and excellent accessory options, the FT-65R is ideal for building a go-kit or for use in field operations. Its dependable performance and ease of use make it a must-have for emergency preparedness.

The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus is a versatile handheld that excels in FM, DMR, and APRS functionality. Its large color screen and built-in GPS make it a standout for those looking for advanced features in a single device. Despite its brick-like form factor, it delivers exceptional value for its price.

DMR programming can be challenging, but with the right resources, it’s manageable. The robust feature set and accessory bundles make this radio a top pick for those willing to invest time in mastering digital modes.

The Kenwood TH-D75A is the ultimate handheld radio for those seeking premium functionality and versatility. With native support for FM, D-STAR, and APRS, as well as onboard GPS, this radio offers unparalleled performance.

Upgraded with USB-C charging and connectivity, the TH-D75A is designed for convenience and modern compatibility. Its high price reflects its top-tier features, making it the ideal choice for serious operators who demand the best.

JFK Jr. killed in plane crash

On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr.; his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy; and her sister, Lauren Bessette, die when the single-engine plane that Kennedy was piloting crashes into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr., was born on November 25, 1960, just a few weeks after his father and namesake was elected the 35th president of the United States. After graduating from Brown University and a very brief acting stint, he attended New York University Law School. He passed the bar on his third try and worked in New York as an assistant district attorney, winning all six of his cases. In 1995, he founded the political magazine George, which grew to have a circulation of more than 400,000.

In September 1996, he married girlfriend Carolyn Bessette, a fashion publicist. The two shared an apartment in New York City, where Kennedy was often seen inline skating in public. Known for his adventurous nature, he nonetheless took pains to separate himself from the more self-destructive behavior of some of the other men in the Kennedy clan.

On July 16, 1999, however, with about 300 hours of flying experience, Kennedy took off from Essex County airport in New Jersey and flew his single-engine plane into a hazy, moonless night. He had turned down an offer by one of his flight instructors to accompany him, saying he “wanted to do it alone.” To reach his destination of Martha’s Vineyard, he would have to fly 200 miles—the final phase over a dark, hazy ocean—and inexperienced pilots can lose sight of the horizon under such conditions. Unable to see shore lights or other landmarks, Kennedy would have to depend on his instruments, but he had not qualified for a license to fly with instruments only. In addition, he was recovering from a broken ankle, which might have affected his ability to pilot his plane.

At Martha’s Vineyard, Kennedy was to drop off his sister-in-law Lauren Bessette, one of his two passengers. From there, Kennedy and his wife, Carolyn, were to fly on to the Kennedy compound on Cape Cod’s Hyannis Port for the marriage of Rory Kennedy, the youngest child of the late Robert F. Kennedy. The Piper Saratoga aircraft never made it to Martha’s Vineyard. Radar data examined later showed the plane plummeting from 2,200 feet to 1,100 feet in a span of 14 seconds, a rate far beyond the aircraft’s safe maximum. It then disappeared from the radar screen.

Kennedy’s plane was reported missing by friends and family members, and an intensive rescue operation was launched by the Coast Guard, the navy, the air force, and civilians. After two days of searching, the thousands of people involved gave up hope of finding survivors and turned their efforts to recovering the wreckage of the aircraft and the bodies.

On July 21, navy divers recovered the bodies of JFK Jr., his wife, and sister-in-law from the wreckage of the plane, which was lying under 116 feet of water about eight miles off the Vineyard’s shores.

Investigators studying the wreckage of the Piper Saratoga found no problems with its mechanical or navigational systems. In their final report released in 2000, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the crash was caused by an inexperienced pilot who became disoriented in the dark and lost control.

Net Discussion Questions:

What HT’s do you own?

What is your favorite?

Why?

What do you think happened with the JFK, Jr. plane crash?

Monday July 14th: Topic with KC1SOO: World's Last Commercial Telegrams

163 Year Old Service Shuts down...

On the 14th July 2013 the world’s last telegram was sent

The last telegram was sent from India – the last major country to shut down its 163 year old telegram service. The service was no longer needed, as e-mail and texting had replaced the telegraph and bicycle telegram messengers.

In the UK telegram delivery ceased in 2008, while in the United States Western Union’s dwindling service was terminated on 27 Jan 2006.

The first telegram

The first formal telegram was sent by Samuel Morse in Washington to his business partner Alfred Vail in Baltimore, on 24 May 1844. Seeking funding, he demonstrated to Congress the power of telegraphy through wires connecting cities with the message:

‘What hath God wrought’

In time, wires were strung across the United States and other countries, which eventually were connected by a Transatlantic cable under the ocean and more submarine cables.

Business, joy and sadness

While the majority of telegrams were used for everyday conversation and business some were particularly poignant. During World Wars One and Two the most dreaded telegram of all was hand delivered on behalf of the War Office. The message would begin:

‘Deeply regret to inform you ….’

Wednesday July 9th: Topic with KC1HHK: 50 Years Ago!

· The U.S. state of Alaska had its highest recorded temperatures ever, with the capital at Juneau registering at 90 °F (32 °C) for the first time, a mark that has not been exceeded since then. Other high temperatures registered that day were 86° at Fairbanks and at Sitka, but only 68° at Anchorage. By contrast, Miami Beach, Florida, was slightly cooler than Juneau, with a high of 89°.

· Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 went into effect in the United States, along with regulations from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, after which all American universities, colleges and schools that received federal funding were required to provide the same level of funding for women's and girls' sports programs as had been spent for men and boys.

· The Apollo space program came to an end as Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand and Deke Slayton, with parachutes bringing their space capsule down to a recovery on the Pacific Ocean. The "splashdown" would be the last water landing of a crewed space mission for more than 45 years, with cosmonauts landing their capsules in the desert, or astronauts landing on a runway in a space shuttle. On August 2, 2020, the SpaceX Demo-2 mission would successfully splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico with astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken. The U.S. would not venture into space again until 1981.

· Near Detroit, former Teamsters Union president Jimmy Hoffa was reported missing after his car was found abandoned outside of the Machus Red Fox, a restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he had said he had an appointment to have lunch with a longtime friend, Detroit mobster Anthony Giacalone. Giacalone denied being aware of any plans for a luncheon date. A missing person’s report was filed the next day after Hoffa failed to return to his home in Lake Orion. Neither Hoffa, nor his body, had been found more than 49 years after he vanished.

Wednesday July 2nd: Topic with KC1HHK: Radio Patented by Marconi & Walmart Opens

Marconi Issued the 1st Patent for Radio

In 1897, Guglielmo Marconi was granted a patent for his radio system, specifically for "Improvements in Transmitting Electrical Impulses and Signals, and in Apparatus Therefor". This patent, numbered GB12,039, was accepted on July 2, 1897, in London. It is considered the first patent for wireless telegraphy. Marconi's invention utilized the transmission of electromagnetic waves to send signals, a key development in the history of radio.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Patent Details:

The patent, numbered GB12,039, was accepted in London on July 2, 1897. It covered improvements in transmitting electrical signals wirelessly.

Marconi's Work:

Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor, is credited with developing the first practical radio communication system. He established Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company in 1897.

Significance:

This patent was a crucial step in the development of radio technology and laid the foundation for modern wireless communication. It marked a significant advancement from previous methods of transmitting signals using wires.

Early Demonstrations:

Marconi demonstrated his system's capabilities by sending signals across the English Channel and later across the Atlantic, showcasing the potential of his invention.

1962 - The first Walmart store opens s in Rogers, AR.

The history of Walmart, an American discount department store chain, began in 1950 when businessman Sam Walton purchased a store from Luther E. Harrison in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and opened Walton's 5 & 10. The Walmart chain proper was founded in 1962 with a single store in Rogers, Arkansas, expanding inside Oklahoma by 1968 and throughout the rest of the Southern United States by the 1980s, ultimately operating a store in every state of the United States, plus its first stores in Canada, by 1995. The expansion was largely fueled by new store construction, although the chains Mohr-Value and Kuhn's Big K were also acquired.

Countries of operation

As of 2023, Walmart stores operate in Botswana, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, the United States (including Puerto Rico), and Zambia.

Net Discussion Question:

Are you a Walmart shopper?

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