News
Winter Field Day January 25-26:
by AB7RG 2024-12-09Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose to participate solo or get your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association. The association strongly believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.
The Santa Net is Back: Talk to Santa Over Ham Radio:
by AB7RG 2024-12-08From now until December 24th, operators have the opportunity to talk to Santa on the 3.916MHz Santa Net. The project, hosted by the 3916 Nets, is the team's 16th consecutive year hosting this exciting program. The Santa Net works by relaying Santa's voice using strategically placed operators to make contact with "Santa at the North Pole." To participate, operators can check on the Santa Nets' website at 6:30 PM CT with the broadcast at 7 PM CT. The website even offers a live stream of the broadcast for those who do not have a radio.
Annual 160M AM Night on GCARA 1936 Net:
by W8GNM 2024-12-07The Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association 1936 Net will host its annual AM night on Thursday December 26th, 2024 on 1936 kHz. The activities get underway with pre-net check-ins beginning at 6:30PM EST. The official net begins at 9:00 PM EST (02:00Z) and typically lasts two hours. The net control station is Bill, NM4A, located at Union, KY. The net typically attracts about 65 stations from all over the US during the course of the evening. All AM check-in's are welcome. This is a great opportunity to hear some classic AM rigs, heavy metal, military, broadcast AM transmitters, and state of the art software defined radio AM.
Ham Radio Enthusiasts Unite at Kolkatas Annual Hamfest:
by AB7RG 2024-12-05Amateur ham radio operators from several countries will convene at the annual Hamfest India convention in Kolkata from December 14. This two-day event celebrates 103 years of India's amateur radio history, featuring international delegates and representatives from various disaster management authorities. Hundreds of amateur ham radio operators from across the nation are set to gather at the annual Hamfest India convention in Kolkata starting December 14. The much-anticipated event highlights India's pioneering role in amateur radio, celebrating 103 years since it began.
Options for Staying Connected for Next Year's Storm Season:
by AB7RG 2024-12-09With the end of hurricane season having just passed, Floridians look back at the flurry of severe storms that hit Florida's Gulf Coast and anticipate the potential strength and frequency of storms to come. While many people know to get non-perishable food and clean water before a hurricane, not as many people consider how they can be technologically prepared for the storm and the days the follow. Nearly a full week after Hurricane Milton, Spectrum Internet reported outages for more than 367,000 Floridians, and with reports of poor cell service due to increased traffic and loss of infrastructure, many people had spotty communication at best. Even professional radio services on Sanibel lost contact with Lee County officials after that infrastructure was damaged in Ian. However, since amateur radio doesn't rely on the same infrastructure, those operators were able to help the island maintain contact.
SkyWarn Recognition Day:
by AB7RG 2024-12-07This is the 25th Year of SkyWarn Recognition Day. What's that you ask... well... It's a day to celebrate the contributions to public safety made by Skywarn Spotters. These people volunteer their time to report back important information during threatening severe weather events. You may have not guessed this, but it's mainly amateur radio operators exchanging QSO information with as many National Weather Service stations as possible over meter bands. These amateur radio operators work around the clock to submit information about tornados, storms, or strong winds. Because those severe weather conditions could cause significant damage to people's lives and properties in the storm's path.
Joplin Amateur Radio Club Connecting Kids with Santa in Special Event:
by AB7RG 2024-12-06JOPLIN, Mo. -- A Joplin organization is providing a unique way for kids to speak with Santa Claus. The Joplin Amateur Radio Club is using ham radio -- via the "Santa Net" -- to connect with the big man. Kids will be able to speak with Santa and give him their wish list.
Roadshow Enlightens Villagers on Amateur Radio:
by AB7RG 2024-12-04The Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association (BDARA) held a roadshow in Kampong Sungai Mau during the Recreational Camping Programme recently. Organised by the Kampong Sungai Mau Village Consultative Council, the roadshow aimed to disseminate information to the villagers on amateur radio, with displays on amateur radio equipment used to communicate with amateur radio friends across the world.
