The majority of the FCC's revised Part 97 rules (adopted in December 2020) establishing new application fees become effective on April 19, but the new amateur radio application fees will not become effective on April 19. The FCC announced on March 19 that the amateur radio application fees, including those associated with Form 605 filings, would not become effective until the 'requisite notice has been provided to Congress, the FCC's information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules.'
H Letter Bag Make a letter bag with items beginning with the letter H. First show the children each of the items in the bag, explaining what each is, and clearly pronouncing its name. Then the child can reach in and pick an item and try to name it without pulling it out and looking at it. A letter is a written message conveyed from one person (or group of people) to another through a medium. clarification needed The term usually excludes written material intended to be read in its original form by large numbers of people, such as newspapers and placards; however even these may include material in the form of an 'open letter'. Letterbox is a graphic design studio in Melbourne, Australia specialising in custom type design for unique and distinct brand identities.
The $35 fee, when it becomes effective, would apply to new, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call sign applications, as well as applications for a special temporary authority (STA) or a rule waiver. All fees will be per application. Administrative updates, such as a change of mailing, email address, or name, are exempt.
It is expected that such fees will not become effective before summer 2021. The FCC has stated that amateurs will have advance warning of the actual effective date, because it will publish such date in the Federal Register.
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not have to collect the $35 fee at exam sessions. Once the FCC application fee takes effect, new and upgrade applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to the VE team as usual, and pay the $35 application fee directly to the FCC via the Fee Filer System or License Manager System. Somma said this information was provided in a VE Newsletter distributed this past week. 'Further news and instructions will follow when we have them,' she said.
Pending future FCC action, amateur radio secondary use of the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz band segment may continue indefinitely. The FCC, as part of a lengthy Second Report and Order (R&O) for commercial licensing of 3.45 - 3.55 GHz adopted on March 17, agreed with ARRL that continued access by amateur radio to 3.3 - 3.45 GHz should be allowed until consideration of the 3.1 - 3.45 GHz spectrum in a later proceeding. The FCC action in WT Docket 19-348 represents a partial -- and temporary -- reprieve from the FCC's December 2019 proposal to remove amateur radio from the entire band, and it makes available an additional 50 MHz than an FCC proposal last fall to allow amateur temporary use of 3.3 - 3.4 GHz.
Amateur secondary operation in the 3.45 - 3.50 GHz band must cease 90 days after public notice that the spectrum auction has closed and licensing has begun. That is expected to happen early in 2022. The FCC announced the opening of 3.45 - 3.55 GHz for auction to commercial 5G interests on March 17.
The FCC stated that 'While we adopt our proposal to bifurcate the band, we adjust our proposal and set 3450 MHz as the frequency at which the band will be split.' It agreed 'with the ARRL's assessment that the guard band is not necessary from a technical standpoint. We also recognize that the nature of amateur equipment realities makes the 50 MHz at 3400 - 3450 MHz particularly valuable to amateur operators because it means existing equipment can continue to operate in the band for the time being.'
This allows 'amateur operations to continue in the lower portion of the band while the [FCC and federal government users] continue to analyze whether that spectrum can be reallocated for flexible use,' the FCC said. The FCC had proposed splitting the band at 3.4 GHz, permitting amateur use in 100 MHz of spectrum 'while also providing a buffer to protect flexible-use operations at the lower edge of the 3.45 GHz band.'
'We therefore allow secondary amateur operations to continue in the 3.4 - 3.45 GHz portion of the band,' the FCC said. 'We emphasize, however, that amateur licensees remain secondary users, and those that operate on frequencies close to the 3450 MHz band edge must do so with particular caution to avoid causing harmful interference to flexible-use licensees in the 3.45 GHz Service, which hold primary status. In light of these considerations, while amateur operations between 3450 MHz and 3500 MHz must cease within 90 days of the public notice announcing the close of the auction for the 3.45 GHz Service, as specified in the Report and Order; amateur operations may continue between 3300 MHz and 3450 MHz while the Commission, NTIA, and the DoD continue to analyze whether that spectrum can be reallocated for commercial wireless use.'
'There is no expectation that such operations will be accommodated in future planning for commercial wireless operations in this spectrum, or that amateur operators will receive more than a short period of notice before their operations must cease,' the FCC said.
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 15) features a conversation with propagation expert Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about what to expect in the new solar cycle.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (episode 30) features a conversation with Clark Burgard, N1BCG, about the current state of AM in amateur radio.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The 2021 ARRL Repeater Directory® is now shipping. It includes 'crowdsourced' listings contributed by users, repeater owners, and volunteer frequency coordinators. This means more listings that are updated more often. With 24,000 listings, it's the most complete printed directory of on-the-air repeaters, covering repeater systems throughout the US and Canada.
Repeater systems are listed by state/province, city, and operating mode. Digital repeater systems such as System Fusion, D-STAR, DMR, NXDN, and P25 are included. Pages of supplemental information include VHF/UHF and microwave band plans, and repeater operating practices. It features a convenient lie-flat spiral binding.
For decades, The ARRL Repeater Directory has been an invaluable source for locating repeater frequencies while traveling. New hams often use the Repeater Directory to find local activity after purchasing a new handheld radio. And public service volunteers keep a copy nearby or in their emergency go-kit.
The 2021 ARRL Repeater Directory is available from the ARRL Store or an ARRL publication dealer. Order ARRL Item No. 1434, ISBN: 978-1-62595-143-4, $19.95 retail. For additional questions or ordering, call (860) 594-0355, or, toll free in the US, (888) 277-5289.
Repeater listings appearing in The ARRL Repeater Directory are provided by RFinder Inc. If a repeater has been omitted or a listing is inaccurate, contact RFinder directly.
ARRL, the FCC, and the US Department of Defense are cooperating in an effort to eliminate the possibility of amateur radio interference on 70 centimeters to a future missile control system at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The Defense Department's Regional Spectrum Coordinator contacted the FCC in March, seeking information on whom to contact regarding amateur transmissions operational on 70-centimeter frequencies slotted for use on the new control system. The FCC, in turn, asked ARRL to oversee the coordination efforts. It is to be noted that the Amateur Radio Service is a secondary service on the band.
Investigation revealed that the potential problem was not with individual operators or repeaters, but with RF control links at 420 - 430 MHz used to establish a linked repeater system within New Mexico. 'Based on the investigation, and with the support of the FCC, the owners of the RF control links being used in the 420 - 430 MHz portion of the amateur allocation within a certain proximity to WSMR are being asked to re-coordinate the link frequency to a new one above 430 MHz,' explained ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND.
ARRL enlisted the assistance of the state's designated repeater frequency coordinator for information on specific links in that part of the band. New Mexico Repeater Frequency Coordinator Bill Kauffman, W5YEJ, agreed to work with the control link operators to find new frequencies that will meet the needs of the link operators.
'Time is a factor in this request,' Henderson said. 'The new WSMR systems are in advanced testing and will become fully operational by early summer 2021.' The negotiated deadline for the affected control links to change frequencies is set for May 31, 2021.
'It appears a total of 32 control links will have to be addressed,' Henderson said. ARRL has mailed letters to each of the RF control link operators, based on the record keeping of the frequency coordinator, to advise them of the DoD's request. 'Any links with the potential to affect the identified control systems at WSMR still in operation after May 31, 2021 will be subject to action by the FCC.'
Henderson said the changes should have no direct impact on the use of any local repeater, but until all the affected RF control links are transitioned to new frequencies, certain links may be temporarily inoperative. Links unable to be relocated by May 31 will have to be shut down until the situation can be resolved. ARRL will maintain contact with the FCC to advise it of the status of the coordination efforts.
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register, check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7)
Ultra-portable operation is quickly growing in popularity. Whether for SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in nature, learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, covers the basics for new and experienced ham radio operators.
Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, RFI Engineer, ARRL Laboratory / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
RFI (radio frequency interference) -- from natural and manmade sources -- has been a problem for hams and shortwave listeners since the radio hobby began. Things have changed in the last 20 years with the advent of widespread solar power, LED lighting, grow lights, and computers. Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in today's world.
HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz, W7VO / Thursday April 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
An educational seminar to help new and experienced amateurs who are on HF and finding themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what 'noise' is, talk about the various noise sources, and discuss how to mitigate those noises using a variety of techniques.
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
- The Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Special event stations will be on the air, and award certificates are available for working 100 Finnish stations (50 OH-prefix and 50 OF-prefix) and 10 special event Finnish stations. Submit log extracts via email in January 2022.
The FCC has announced that it will start collecting firsthand accounts on broadband availability and service quality directly from consumers, as part of its Broadband Data Collection program. A new web page explains the program and provides direct links to consumer resources, including a new 'share your broadband experience' option. -- FCC News Release
A week-long KA6LMS 'Last Man Standing' radio special event started Wednesday, March 24 and runs through 2359 UTC on March 30 -- the TV show's final day of shooting. The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club website has details for certificates and QSL information.
The Ogden Amateur Radio Club (OARC) in Utah is celebrating its 100th anniversary as an organized club. In May of 1921, Dr. W.G. Garner, W7EW, and five others gathered to establish the club, and Garner was elected president. OARC now uses the last call sign he held, W7SU, as a memorial club station call sign. OARC has been an ARRL-sanctioned club since 1937.
The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) is requesting input from the
amateur radio community on new or modified questions for the 2022 - 2026 FCC Element 2 (Technician pool), which goes into effect on July 1, 2022. This may include suggestions for new questions, changes to current examination topic areas, or changes to existing questions in the current Technician question pool.
Portrait pro 21 review. The QPC said it's seeking input that focuses on:
Topics and subjects that enhance public interest and understanding and use of amateur radio, or focus on STEM hands-on learning and education.
- Questions on new technology, digital modes, station setup and operation, antennas, and emergency and non-emergency operation.
To submit suggested questions for QPC review, the committee asks that questions have no more than two 70-character lines, including spaces. Distractors should be no more two 70-character lines long, and shorter if possible. Each multiple choice question must be accompanied by four possible distractors and only one correct answer. The answer choices may be in any order, but the correct answer must be indicated by the letters A, B, C, or D at the beginning of the question. Those submitting suggestions should provide the resource information that supports the correct answer or the FCC Part 97 rule.
The QPC will accept question comments, revisions, and submissions from the amateur radio community via email through June 30, 2021. This email address is a bulk forwarding mailbox, so no acknowledgement will be sent by return email. The NCVEC QPC will take all comments into consideration as it updates the Technician question pool for 2022 - 2026.
Radio gear in a weatherproof box is installed on land, along with antennas. |
In some places, landing permits (rather than the cost of a DXpedition) are the biggest obstacle. Often, overnight stays are not allowed, especially hindering 160-meter operation.
The approach is 'Radio in a Box' (RIB) -- a complete station in a weatherproof Pelican case containing a FLEX-6700 transceiver and an amplifier, along with cooling and control systems. The box, antennas, and generators would be on land and operated remotely from a nearby vessel. The RIB is seen as addressing that issue, and Wallner believes this lower-profile approach will become the standard for future DXpeditions to sensitive areas. The Northern California DX Foundation and FlexRadio have provided financial support. C6AGU operators this month will include W6IZT,Operators contest from the vessel's flybridge. |
W8HC, KN4EEI, and AA7JV. Emailed signal reports are invited.
This team has been testing the RIB concept for a year now. The November 2020 operation involved operation from a small, privately owned island in the Bahamas, with the gear on shore and the operators on board, running stations during the CQ World Wide DX Contest from the comfort of the vessel's flybridge. This particular operation deployed four individual RIBs, connected to a common network. The ship-to-shore link was carried out on 900 MHz with a Ubiquiti data bridge. The test was considered very successful.
Hal Turley, W8HC, has produced a PowerPoint of the November 2020 test operation. He presented it at the February 6 virtual meeting of the West Virginia DX Association (WVDXA), telling his audience that operation with six RIBs on shore is considered possible. The passcode is ZycM!+s1.
World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) 2021 is Sunday, April 18. On that day in 1925, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was formed in Paris. Today, the IARU is a worldwide federation of national amateur radio organizations. The IARU has chosen 'Amateur Radio: Home but Never Alone' as its WARD 2021 theme, acknowledging the many ways throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that amateur radio has remained a welcome respite for its variety of activities and opportunities -- even helping overcome online fatigue and social isolation. ARRL has information to help all radio amateurs start planning for World Amateur Radio Day.
The 2021 Comm Academy April 10 - 11 is 2 days of training, talks, and information on emergency communications and amateur radio. This year's theme is Disasters Here, There, and Everywhere -- Are We Ready? Registration is free and required to gain access to the complete schedule and academy materials. The academy is entirely virtual and hosted online. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Comm Academy is attended and supported by organizations including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®); Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES); Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS); EOC Support Teams; Civil Air Patrol; Coast Guard Auxiliary; REACT, and CERT, among others. Anyone interested in emergency and amateur radio communications are welcome to network and share experiences. The event focuses on education for communications leaders, volunteers, and professionals.
A video demonstrates 60-meter interoperability between amateur and non-amateur stations. The Ohio Section National Traffic System (NTS) Buckeye Net had check-ins from two non-amateur stations during the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) COMEX-21 exercise on February 27. During the call-up, Steve Judd, WB8YLO, Department of Defense MARS, and Department of Homeland Security SHARES stations checked in on SSB and exchanged traffic using digital modes, supported by amateur operators. The net session offers a clear demonstration of interoperability between amateur and non-amateur stations on 60 meters and would make an interesting club program (the video runs just over 28 minutes). Ohio Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE, said the Buckeye Net typically operates on 60 meters during Cycle Two, because that provides the best quality circuit for stations in Ohio. -- Thanks to Ohio ASEC C. Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE
Years ago, a mysterious signal dubbed 'the ditter' showed up on 20 meters. The transmissions turned out to be unintentional. Now, the IARU Region 1 Monitoring System February newsletter reports that mysterious groups of dashes -- sometimes five, sometimes 16, sometimes continuous -- are being transmitted over long periods daily at or around 7075 kHz, a segment of 40 meters typically occupied by FT8 operators. So far, no one's been able to pinpoint the source of the transmissions. The 'dasher' aside, over-the-horizon radars (OTHRs) continue to be the biggest source of interference in the HF amateur bands. A 'numbers station' continues to be heard Wednesdays on 7062 kHz and 14280 kHz. The voice is female, speaking Russian. The signal is believed to belong to the Ukraine Security Service. The broadcasting stations Voice of Broad Masses (VOBM1 and VOBM2) from Eritrea continue to cause interference daily at 7140 and 7180 kHz. Another station at 7200 kHz -- believed to be National Unity Radio -- also broadcasts daily from 1100 to 1300 UTC. -- Thanks to IARU Region 1 Monitoring System
Law enforcement agencies in France seized the equipment of an unidentified radio amateur in late 2020, alleging 'insults and threats on the airwaves.' The action by federal and local authorities began after complaints erupted within the amateur radio community regarding 'inappropriate behavior on the airwaves, punctuated by offensive remarks and death threats.' After confirming the source of the transmissions, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) agents discovered that the licensee had failed to declare his radio installation to the ANFR, which is required in France. The oversight provided an immediate legal basis to seize the individual's radio equipment. -- Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio News
The video associated with the article, 'Monster Dipole Can Deliver Monster Signal' in the March 11 edition of The ARRL Letter, was produced by Roly Runciman, ZL1BQD. We neglected to credit him.
March 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
March 27 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW)
March 27 - 28 -- CQ World Wide WPX Contest, SSB
March 31 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On March 21 and 22, two new sunspot groups, 2811 and 2812, appeared. Average daily sunspot number this week faded a bit from 19 to 17.9, but average daily solar flux went from 78.1 to 78.6. Neither change was significant.
We haven't seen a day with no sunspots since March 1, so that brought the percentage of spotless days so far this year to 38%, down from 57% for 2020, and 77% in 2019.
Geomagnetic activity was steady throughout this week, with average daily planetary A index rising from 10.3 to 13.3, and average middle latitude A index from 7.3 to 10.4.
But geomagnetic conditions were disturbed at higher latitudes. Alaska's College A index, measured near Fairbanks, was 40 and 45 on March 20 - 21. This was reflected in a report from N6QEK/KL7 in North Pole, Alaska (a town southeast of Fairbanks, not at the north pole), who wrote, 'HF frequencies here in the interior of Alaska were wiped out for the BARTG RTTY Contest. FT8 signals were almost nonexistent as well.'
Saturday was the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and fall in the Southern Hemisphere, which can benefit HF propagation.
Predicted solar flux over the next month is 80 on March 25 - 27; 75 on March 28 - April 1; 79, 80, and 81 on April 2 - 4; 82 on April 5 - 7; 81 on April 8; 80 on April 9 - 10; 78 and 76 on April 11 - 12; 75 on April 13 - 14; 76 on April 15; 77 on April 16 - 17; 76 on April 18 - 20; 77 on April 21, and 78 on April 22 - 28. Solar flux is expected to rise to 82 on May 2 - 4.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on March 25; 5 on March 26 - 27; 25 on March 28; 20 on March 29 - 30; 12 on March 31; 8, 15, and 8 on April 1 - 3; 5 on April 4 - 7; 15, 18, and 20 on April 8 - 10; 5 on April 11 - 15; 25, 22, 20, 15, 8 on April 16 - 20; 5 on April 21 - 23, and 25 on April 24.
Sunspot numbers for March 18 - 24 were 12, 14, 12, 12, 23, 26, and 26, with a mean of 17.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.4, 73.5, 80.3, 77.1, 80.4, 81.8, and 83.6, with a mean of 78.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 6, 29, 24, 8, 11, and 11, with a mean of 13.3. Middle latitude A index was 4, 6, 20, 17, 6, 9, and 11, with a mean of 10.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read 'What the Numbers Mean..,' and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the ARRL website.
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when they renew their membership. All members can access digital editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
- Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to..
- NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint, and QSO parties.
- QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members..
- Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
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Letterboxing Information
Introduction To Letterboxing
Welcome to letterboxing! Letterboxes are everywhere. You can find them tucked away in tiny towns and buried deep inside the biggest cities all over the world. Who knows, you might walk right by a letterbox or two every day.
Letterboxing provides you with an opportunity to explore your area. When you are traveling, letterboxes can even guide your adventures. Hide your very own letterboxes to share the places you love with others.
You will soon find that you think about letterboxing all the time. You might even catch yourself planning your route home around the location of the newest clue in your area. Don`t worry. This is normal. People around the world are completely hooked on letterboxing.
Once you figure it all out, share letterboxing with your friends. Download sheets for mac. You might think your comic book loving, computer addicted neighbor could care less. You will be pleasantly surprised when they begin letterboxing daily.
Whether you plan to letterbox solo or you want to get your friends and family involved in a community hobby, letterboxing is perfect. Kids love hunting down letterboxes and finding stamps. If you prefer your alone time, letterboxing helps you escape reality. Who knows, you might meet your new best friend or your future spouse out on the trail.
The benefits of letterboxing are endless. Not only will you have an excellent conversation starter, you:
• Exercise regularly without even thinking about it.
• Get your creative juices flowing by looking at intricately carved stamps and designing your very own.
• Give your brain quite a workout by figuring out some complex clues.
• Meet new people who are also excited about letterboxing.
The letterboxing community is very supportive. Newbies all over the world have access to hints, tips, and suggestions from experienced letterboxers. Who knows, maybe a fellow letterboxer will take you under their wing as you get started in your new hobby.=
What Is Letterboxing?
The concept of letterboxing is simple. Consider the letterboxer as a treasure hunter of sorts. Each letterbox is a treasure waiting to be found. You never know where the treasure might be tucked away. Your local health food store, coffee shop, restaurant, or park could hold countless numbers of letterboxes.
Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publiclyplaces and distribute clues to finding the box in catalogs, on one of web sites. Individual letterboxes usually contain a notebook and rubber stamp. Finders make an imprint of the letterbox`s stamp and leave an impression of their personal stamp on the letterbox`s logbook. Proof of having found the box and letting subsequent letterboxers see who have visited.
Not all letterboxes are outside. With the increasing popularity of letterboxing, many businesses host letterboxes. Other letterboxes are handicap accessible. Indoor and accessible letterboxes open this hobby up to many who would find treasure hunting out of their comfort zones or their abilities.
History of Letterboxing
Letterboxing is gaining popularity at an incredible rate. This global hobby is firmly rooted in England. While the hobby has evolved from its simple origins, modern letterboxing mimics the movement of letters from one box to another. For 150 years, dedicated letterboxes have created, hidden, hunted, and maintained their precious letterboxes. Interest in letterboxing in the U.S. is considered to have started with a article in the Smithsonian Magazine in April 1998.
Types of Letterboxes
Letterboxing is no longer the simple quest for a hidden box full of letters. Modern letterboxes come in all shapes and sizes. Clues vary in difficulty and the rules for each box can vary. When you find a letterbox, follow the rules of the type of letterbox you find.
There are many different kinds of letterboxes, each with some specific distinction. These include:
Traditional Boxes
A normal letterbox, hidden and uses clue to find it. These boxes are the most common type of letterbox. There are approximately 140,000 traditional letterboxes on record. A typical box contains the log book and a stamp. Occasionally, you will find other letterboxes within a traditional letterbox.
Mystery boxes
These are usually traditional boxes, but these 'mystery' boxes have either vague starting areas. Clues come in the form of poems, stories, and codes. Many mystery boxes have two sets of clues. The first set indicates the starting location of the clue. The second clue may or may not be as difficult as the first clue. This clue will indicate the location of the letterbox in relation to the starting point.
Bonus Box
The clue for these are usually found in a traditional box as an extra one to find. Usually planted in the same area as the traditional that hosts its clue. Clues can be distributed in any way.
Hitchhikers Boxes
A travelling letterbox, it is placed in a traditional letterbox for another boxer to find. When found, it is stamped just like a traditional letterbox, but is then carried with the boxer to the next box.
Hitchhikers are not to be confused with unidentified stamps in a traditional letterbox. Many letterboxers include an additional stamp to indicate when their box was hidden. This unidentified stamp cannot be logged as a find.
Fleas
Like a combination of a hitchhiker and a cootie. You can either put in a traditional letterbox, like a hitchhiker, or put it on a person, like a cootie. Fleas can be avoided in the same way as cooties, don`t provide anyone with an opportunity to tuck one into your bag.
Virtuals
Online letterboxes; actually a scavenger hunt of sorts through different websites, collecting answers to questions posted as the clues to the box. Answers sometimes are unscrambled or simply emailed to the creator the final answer is put in a blank in a web address, which takes the finder to the image online. While many refuse to acknowledge these letterboxes, they are an excellent way to entertain children or practice writing clues. If you are unable to get out to find letterboxes, virtual letterboxing can keep you entertained. Virtual letterboxes can be logged on some letterboxing websites but will not show in your PFX count.
Limited time Boxes
A letterbox that has only been planted for a short amount of time (Like a few days or a week, any time length the planter wants.). Seasonal clues like Christmas tree ornaments in front yards or holiday specific boxes may remain the same but will only return to their locations during the appropriate time of year. Others celebrate an event and will only remain in their locations until the event is complete.
Basic Letterboxing Equipment
Not only is letterboxing one of the least expensive hobbies to begin, you can get your supplies at any craft store in the country. There are no lessons to take or specialty items to buy. In fact, the list of essential letterboxing gear is quite short:
Signature Stamp
You can make your own rubber stamp or buy one from any craft store. As a beginner, you might opt for a store bought stamp so you can begin letterboxing right away. Your signature stamp should express who you are. Some carve their trail name and a symbol, others buy an oak leaf to indicate their passion for nature. Regardless of which type of stamp you choose, make sure you like your stamp. This is your sign and you will see it every time you stamp in to a letterbox.
Your local craft store might sell the rubber and carving tools for handcarving. You can also find kits online. Get creative. Almost any image can become a rubber stamp.
Ink
There are many types of inks available and even more color options. The three ink types most commonly used for letterboxing are alcohol, dye, and pigment. Pigment is the most popular ink as the colors are rich and the ink itself works well for stamping. Dye based inks dry a little more quickly and work well for stamping. Finally, alcohol based inks dry very quickly for speedy letterboxing. However, their stamping quality is poor in comparison to the quality of ink and pigment.
Small ink pads with raised pads work very well for letterboxing. These tiny ink pads are also easy to keep in a pocket. Larger pads tend to tear, shred, and get ink all over the place.
Logbook
You can use any book with a hardcover. Books without lines will show off the stamps you collect. However, lined books will also work well. Look for thick pages that will not bleed through. Save a page or two at the beginning of your book to stamp your signature stamp and any other stamps you make. The rest of the book can be dedicated to the letterboxes you find.
Pen
Test your pen before you take it on the trail. Many logbooks will be damp when you find them. The wrong pen could tear the log book, bleed, or not write at all. Space pens are excellent for writing in all conditions. A ballpoint pen or a fine tipped permanent marker also work quite well.
Other
You might also consider a shoulder bag or backpack to hold your letterboxing gear. Here are some ideas of other handy items to take along when letterboxing:
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Baby wipes (to remove ink)
• A small first aid kit
• Water and a snack
• A collapsible stool
As you letterbox more, you will think of items that will make letterboxing more pleasurable for you. Add these items to your gear bag and share your ideas with other letterboxers.
How To Locate Clues
Before you head out to find your first letterbox, find a few clues. There are many places to find the clues you will use to locate letterboxes.
Online
AtlasQuest offers the most comprehensive database of letterboxes and letterboxers in North America. You can perform location based searches to find clues to letterboxes in your area. You can also map and print clues directly on the site. The forums are an excellent resource for anyone starting a letterboxing hobby.
Letterboxing.org provides clues to many boxes. AtlasQuest links to some of these clues. Letterboxing.org has fewer clues and does not allow users to build profiles, track finds with efficiency, or interact with other letterboxers. They do provide a great source for clues.
Other
You might receive a clue by word of mouth. You can also find clues in annual letterbox catalogs. However, in North America, these catalogs are few and far between. The online resources available are a more efficient way to find letterbox clues.
How To Find A Letterbox
Letterbox
Once you have your clues in hand and your bag is packed, you are officially ready to find your letterbox.
Getting There
Once you pick a clue to follow, you will need to figure out how to get to the starting point. You can do this using online mapping systems like Google Maps or Mapquest. Once you reach your destination, follow your clues with care.
Following Clues
Steps and paces will often confuse the letterboxer. In general, you can count the steps or paces with your normal stride. If the clue tells you to look for a specific tree, log, rock, or doorway in the next step, see if you can locate that item from your position. If not, either try again or reassess your clues.
Letterbox Hiding Places
Letterboxes are usually tucked away where they can`t be spotted by the casual passerby. Look for piles of leaves or neatly arrange sticks to find your letterbox. Some are located in the trunks of trees. Others are hidden underneath rocks or in holes. If you can`t see the letterbox right away, keep looking. A letterbox is not supposed to be easy to find.
Plant Your Own Letterbox
Planting your own letterbox can be a lot of fun. Follow these steps to make sure your letterbox will be a pleasure for other letterboxers to find.
Post Letter Box Nearby
1. Research your location. If another letterbox exists near the location you like, either ask the other letterbox`s owner for permission to plant a box nearby or pick another location.
Singpost Letter Box Nearby
2. Create your stamp. You can hand carve or buy your stamp. You will find great carving guides online if you choose to make your own.
3. Create your clue. Walk the path and work these steps into your clue. Your clue should reflect the theme. An explanation at the beginning followed by a simple clue detailing the steps will suffice. More complex clues that fit the steps into the story are enjoyable to write and more interesting for the letterboxer looking for your letterbox.
4. Make your letterbox. Buy a watertight box and label it inside and out with “This Is Not Trash, It Is A Letterbox” or something similar. You can reference AtlasQuest website in case someone wants more information. In this box you will place your stamp and a logbook. This might be a ring bound set of notecards or a handmade logbook. Seal everything in ziploc bags to protect the stamp and book from water.
5. Post Your Clues. Post your clue to the online clue databases and watch the finds come pouring in.
6. Microsoft silverlight google chrome. Reward First Finders. Include a stamped card or a trinket in the box for the first finder. This is their reward for getting to your box first.
7. Maintain Your Box. Check your box periodically to make sure the box is intact and the stamp and logbook are in good shape. Replace both as necessary.
Letterboxing Safety
Follow these safety guidelines to make your letterboxing experience the best it can be:
1. Never go alone. If you do go solo, provide someone with a list of the locations you are visiting. Check in with that person periodically. You never know who is lurking in the woods.
2. Wear appropriate clothes and footwear. Pay attention to the weather. Shorts and flip flops are generally a bad idea in the woods as you will eventually bleed for letterboxing. Keep warm and dry in rain and cool weather or keep cool in hot weather to prevent hypothermia and heat stroke.
3. Eat food and stay hydrated. Enough said.
4. If you plan to meet up with a stranger to letterbox, meet for the first time or two in a very public place. You are not obligated to spend time with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.