Sunday, October 18, 2026 — completed edition
News coverage: October 11–18 · Propagation outlook: October 18–25
Estimated reading time: 7–9 minutes
Updated October 18, 2026, 13:38 UTC
Editorial note: This completed edition consolidates and rechecks the recovered October 18 FCC, ARRL, and propagation coverage. The equipment section was researched afresh on October 18; it is an addition, not recovered text.
FCC rules and proposals
Equipment-marketing changes now effective
FCC 26-50, ET Docket 21-232, took effect October 13. It addresses national-security risks in equipment authorization, including certain Covered List components, and clarifies online marketplaces’ responsibilities for unauthorized devices.
FCC-ID display compliance comes later: March 1, 2027 for marketplaces with physical access to or title over devices; June 1, 2027 for qualifying third-party marketplace listings. Exceptions include used devices, qualifying smaller sellers, and older listings that have not been amended. These are equipment-marketing rules, not new Part 97 operating privileges or restrictions. Federal Register final rule
Following ARRL’s request, eBay clarified that radios operating exclusively on amateur frequencies do not need FCC IDs for eligible listings. Commercial HF amplifiers remain an important exception to amateur equipment’s general certification exemption. Equipment transmitting outside amateur allocations can have different authorization requirements. An amateur license does not automatically exempt every transmitter from certification. ARRL’s eBay clarification
RF-exposure comments close October 22
ET Docket 13-84 seeks comments on questions returned to the FCC by the courts. The existing RF-exposure rules remain in force; this notice does not adopt new amateur power limits. Comments are due October 22, 2026. Official notice
Satellite direct-to-device: still a proposal
ET Docket 26-169 / FCC 26-51 considers satellite communications involving 2400–2483.5 MHz and 5725–5850 MHz, which overlap amateur allocations. The proceeding considers interference protection and regulatory models. Comments are due November 9; replies December 7. A proposal does not itself change existing amateur privileges. FCC proposed rule
60 meters: existing rules, not this week’s news
The February 13 rules allow 9.15 W ERP in 5351.5–5366.5 kHz, with four retained channels permitting 100 W ERP; applicable bandwidth and other operating requirements still apply. ARRL’s 60-meter guidance
ARRL updates — October 11–18
ARRL’s equipment-listing advocacy is covered above. Other items in its October 15 Letter:
- Florida amateur volunteers supported emergency communications during Hurricane Isaias.
- The online auction runs October 16–22, with over 200 items supporting education programs.
- ARDC is expanding 44Net Connect with access points in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
- Ed James, KA8JMW, succeeds Mel Parkes as Rocky Mountain Division Vice Director.
- America250 W1AW activations beginning October 21 include Arkansas, Alaska, and Wisconsin.
- Six amateur satellites launched October 1. Check commissioning status before attempting contacts.
ARRL proposals and advocacy
No new ARRL-sponsored Part 97 petition was verified for October 11–18 in the ARRL news and advocacy sources checked. That is a limited research finding, not a claim that no internal discussion exists. ARRL continues following the federal RF-exposure inquiries: HHS comments close October 21 and FCC comments October 22. Advocacy, proposed rules, and adopted rules should be kept distinct. ARRL regulatory updates · ARRL RF-exposure update
Equipment watch — freshly researched addition
No new transceiver launch specifically dated October 11–18 was verified in the official manufacturer sources checked. These are continuing developments, not announcements newly made this week.
FlexRadio Aurora AU-510M
FlexRadio’s official Aurora page specifies 500 W PEP on HF and 200 W on 6 meters, an integrated AC power supply and antenna tuner, two independent receivers, remote operation, and an 8-inch display on the AU-510M. Its distinguishing feature is combining functions that often require separate radio, amplifier, tuner, and power-supply boxes.
The current series page confirms the specifications. A current price and fulfilled shipment status were not independently verified for this edition, so neither is asserted here. FlexRadio Aurora specifications
Icom IC-7110
Icom unveiled the IC-7110 on September 4 at Ham Fair 2026. The announcement describes HF/50 MHz/VHF/UHF all-mode coverage, a 4.3-inch touch display, spectrum scope and waterfall, HF-to-VHF/UHF Dualwatch, CW decoding, simplified FT8 setup, D-STAR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
The announcement links to pre-release information and does not provide a final U.S. price or shipping date. Treat it as a product to watch, not a confirmed newly shipping radio. Icom announcement
Band conditions last week — October 11–17
NOAA observations show improved conditions after October 10’s Kp 7 geomagnetic disturbance. Calculated seven-day averages:
| Measurement | October 11–17 |
|---|---|
| 10.7-cm solar flux | 127.6 |
| Solar-flux range | 122–136 |
| Sunspot number | 97.9 |
| Planetary A index | 10.0 |
Solar flux reached 136 on October 13 and ended the period at 132. NOAA recorded one M-class flare on October 16 and no X-class flares during this seven-day period. The listed planetary Kp values stayed below G1 storm levels. NOAA daily solar data · NOAA daily geomagnetic data
The practical interpretation is improved upper-HF opportunity and steadier propagation than during the preceding storm. ARRL likewise highlighted better 10/12-meter prospects and favorable 17/15/20-meter conditions. These are operating assessments, not measured performance at every station. ARRL propagation discussion
Expected conditions — October 18–25
NOAA’s October 18, 12:30 UTC forecast reports a maximum observed Kp of 3 in the prior 24 hours. G1 minor storming is likely October 20 from a coronal-hole high-speed stream. The highest forecast interval is Kp 4.67 at 03:00–06:00 UTC October 20, equivalent to 10 PM Monday–1 AM Tuesday CDT.
For October 18–20, NOAA gives each day a 25% chance of R1–R2 radio blackouts and a 5% chance of R3 or greater. Flares can briefly impair daylight-side HF. NOAA three-day forecast
For October 21–25, the older October 12 outlook suggests more unsettled conditions around October 21–23, easing toward the weekend. It underestimated the subsequently observed October 17 flux, so its numerical solar-flux forecast should be treated cautiously. Recheck the newer short-range forecast as the week progresses. NOAA 27-day outlook
Practical band guide for Central Louisiana
These are qualitative interpretations of NOAA data and seasonal operating patterns, not guaranteed openings.
| Band | Last week’s assessment | October 18–25 outlook |
|---|---|---|
| 80 m | Improving after dark | Nighttime regional work; try DX after sunset |
| 40 m | Useful nighttime and predawn paths | Strong evening/predawn option |
| 30 m | Generally useful and steady | Alternative when higher bands become unsettled |
| 20 m | Dependable general DX choice | Start here when openings are uncertain |
| 17 m | Good daytime opportunity | Promising during quieter periods |
| 15 m | Better solar support | Check daylight DX paths |
| 12 m | Increasing opportunity | Worth checking alongside 10/15 m |
| 10 m | Improved potential | Monitor for international openings |
| 6 m | Limited seasonal opportunity | Watch for unusual openings; no dependable opening forecast |
Start daytime sessions on 20 and 17 meters, then check 15, 12, and 10 meters. Around sunset, shift attention toward 40 meters. The October 20 disturbance may especially hurt high-latitude paths; it does not imply a complete HF shutdown.
Dates to keep handy
- October 19–23: ARRL School Club Roundup
- October 22: FCC RF-exposure comment deadline; ARRL auction closes
- October 24–25: CQ World Wide DX Contest, SSB
- November 9: Satellite direct-to-device comments due
ARRL event listings · RF-exposure deadline · Satellite proceeding
Bottom line: Upper-HF opportunities remain worth pursuing, with a possible interruption around October 20. Keep the October 22 regulatory deadline in view, and distinguish equipment-market changes from operating-rule changes.
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