Section Newsletter — ARRL Santa Clara Valley — October 1, 2025
QST –Pacificon is Friday, October 10 –
Sunday, October 12, 2025San Ramon Marriott
2600 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583Extracts from ARRL publications follow —
ARRL Launches Nationwide Grassroots Campaign to Pass Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
09/19/2025
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant Amateur Radio Operators the same rights to install antennas on their property as those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and flagpoles.
The campaign, announced in an ARRL Member Bulletin on September 17, 2025, follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act in February 2025 (see ARRL News 02/07/2025). The bipartisan bills — H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate — are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.
“This legislation is about restoring equal rights to licensed Amateur Radio operators,” said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. “These restrictions hinder not only the enjoyment of Amateur Radio, but also its vital role in emergency communication during disasters.”
Public Support Needed for Passage
To advance the legislation, ARRL is calling on its members and all licensees of the US Amateur Radio Service to take action by sending letters to their congressional representatives. Through a dedicated online tool at send-a-letter.org/hoa, amateurs can easily generate and submit pre-drafted letters with a few clicks.
Go to — send-a-letter.org/hoa
— and help us by sending your letters to your Representative and Senators.ARRL emphasized that every letter matters. “Your Representative and Senators need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you,” included the Member Bulletin.
Amateur Radio: A National Resource
An increasing number of American homes are subject to private land-use restrictions — particularly in HOA-controlled developments — which places many radio amateurs in places that bar exterior antennas. The restrictions mean that many hams cannot develop and practice the skills necessary to meet the fundamental principles of the Amateur Radio Service as defined by federal regulation. Removing these barriers is a matter of national preparedness.
Supporters of the bill have all stressed the importance of Amateur Radio in maintaining communication when other systems fail, especially in hurricane-prone or disaster-stricken regions. Amateur Radio operators, also known as “hams,” have a 111+ year history of volunteer support to local governments, state governments and Federal agencies when communications and related expertise is needed. They are federally licensed and serve as a key component of emergency communication networks during natural disasters and public service events.
Amateur Radio also has served, and continues to serve, as a gateway for the youth of America to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. It has been the foundation for the careers of a significant number of the leaders in American communications and technology. Programs such as the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology and the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program are inspiring and preparing the next generation of radio technologists.
Addressing Opposition and Misconceptions
Existing federal law already protects similar rights for other technologies. Since 1996, Americans have been guaranteed the right to install antennas for TV, satellite, and internet services. In 2005, Congress guaranteed to every American the right to proudly display the American flag by installing flagpoles in their yards — a structure often similar to certain ham antennas — regardless of HOA rules.
The legislation has drawn opposition from the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national group representing HOA interests, which ARRL characterizes as “rabidly anti-Amateur Radio.” However, ARRL insists the proposed law does not undermine property values or safety. The bill includes provisions to preserve local zoning authority and safety standards, and mirrors protections long afforded to other antenna users.
ARRL has noted that twenty-nine years of experience with federally protected antennas show no adverse effects on neighborhoods.
ARRL has also dismissed concerns that the legislation would interfere with HOA contracts, noting that such deed restrictions are often non-negotiable and require overwhelming community votes to change — a process rarely feasible for individual homeowners.
Pass The Bill
If passed, the bill would:
- Prohibit HOAs from outright banning amateur radio antennas;
- Establish an approval process for installation;
- Create a federal right of action for hams in disputed cases.
ARRL leadership has expressed strong appreciation to the bill’s sponsors and have urged swift passage, describing the measure as essential to the future of Amateur Radio and its public service mission to America.
For more information about the ARRL grassroots campaign to pass the bill, please visit www.arrl.org/HOA.
Donate and Help Us Pass the Bill!
Support ARRL’s advocacy goals with a donation and help us Pass The Bill!
Donate Now: www.arrl.org/PassTheBill
Your support helps ARRL engage legislative leaders to pass this bill and provide the ability of Amateur Radio Operators to install the antennas necessary to serve their restricted land use communities.
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Gear Packed for 3YØK DXpedition to Bouvet in February 2026
09/19/2025
The 3YØK DXpedition to Bouvet Island has packed its shipping container of gear. The team spent the weekend near Oslo, Norway, getting things ready, including generators, tents, tools, and — most importantly — radios, antennas, and amplifiers. This checks off another large box on the to-do list before they depart in February of next year.
This international team of radio amateurs is aiming to activate the #10 most-wanted DX entity, Bouvet Island, in February 2026. With 24 operators, two camps, and a load of gear, they hope to provide a lot of QSOs to those who need the entity for their DXCC totals. Bouvet is in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1600 miles from Cape Town, South Africa, and 1000 miles north of continental Antarctica.
ARRL Education and Learning Support Specialist Max Freedman, N4ML, is part of the team. At 21 years of age, he will be the youngest person to ever set foot on the island, and is the youngest operator known in a top-10 DXpedition. He is excited for the opportunity. “I have learned a lot being a part of the 3YØK team,” said Freedman. “A lot of work goes into a DXpedition, more than most people think. It is an honor to work with these high performing ham radio operators to get everything prepared for February.”
You can find out more about the DXpedition at 3y0k.com.
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73 until next month.
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