KC3ARC
Kent County Amateur Radio Club
The Club is affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
Club Nets: Wednesday at 7:00 PM on 146.910
ARES Net – Saturday 9:00 AM on 146.910
All Licensed amateurs are welcome to participate in either or both nets.
Club Repeaters:
146.910 (-) 77hz pl Camden (Main club repeater until further notice)
146.970 (-) 77hz pl Dover
444.550 (+) 77hz pl Dover (Operational as of 10/20/2025. You are welcome to utilize it as needed.)
Local Area Repeaters (not affiliated with KC3ARC)
147.300 (+) 77 hz pl N3YMS
442.450 (+) 127.3 hz pl Harrington
449.775 (-) 114.8 hz pl W3HZW Felton
Who is a Ham Radio Operator
A ham radio operator is someone who is licensed to use an amateur radio station for personal, noncommercial communication. Operators talk with one another on radio frequencies set aside for the amateur radio service by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States and by the International Telecommunication Union worldwide. These frequencies span VHF and UHF for local and regional communication and HF for long‑distance contacts that can reach across states, across continents, or around the world. Many operators also enjoy digital modes such as FT8, FT4, RTTY, and Winlink, which use computer‑generated signals to make reliable contacts under challenging conditions. Along with operating, hams often experiment with antennas and equipment, take part in emergency communication efforts, and support groups such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, which provides trained radio volunteers during public service events and emergencies. All of these activities reflect the technical skill, curiosity, and community spirit that make amateur radio a wide and rewarding hobby
📻 – September Message from KCARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
September arrives with cooler mornings, hopefully steady band conditions, and a fresh wave of opportunities for operators across Kent County. Early‑fall propagation often brings stronger HF performance and more consistent evening activity, giving members a great chance to refine antennas, test portable setups, and enjoy reliable on‑the‑air time as the season shifts.
This month also continues the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. While Delaware has seen a mix of offshore systems and fast‑moving storms, September remains a time to stay weather‑aware and review basic station safety. Members are encouraged to confirm grounding, surge protection, and backup power readiness. You can also quickly check your evacuation zone through Delaware’s Know Your Zone lookup tool at PrepareDE.org — a simple step that helps you stay informed during coastal or severe‑weather events. Our Hurricane Preparedness page remains available for updated frequencies and seasonal guidance.
We also want to recognize the continued participation across recent nets, meetings, and club activities. Even with busy schedules and shifting weather, KCARC members consistently show commitment, flexibility, and professionalism. Your involvement keeps our club active, resilient, and ready to support both routine operations and emergency communications when needed.
As we move through September, we look forward to steady engagement across all bands and modes. KCARC thrives because of the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, and your contributions keep our community strong throughout the fall season.
Stay safe, stay engaged, and enjoy another great month of amateur radio.
📅 – September Club Meeting – KCARC (Upcoming)
The Kent County Amateur Radio Club will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 8th at 7pm at the Kent County 911 Center in Dover. Members are encouraged to attend as the club will be discussing updates to the KCARC bylaws, along with other ongoing topics and activity across Kent County. This meeting is an important opportunity to review proposed changes, offer input, and help ensure the bylaws reflect how the club operates today.
We welcome all licensed amateurs and interested guests to join us for an evening of discussion, planning, and club business.
🚨- ARES Meeting Update – September
The Kent County ARES team met on Monday, August 31st at the Kent County 911 Center. Members gathered to review current activity, discuss digital‑mode capabilities, and continue strengthening emergency‑communication readiness across the county.
Jim (KC3BTV) provided an overview of JS8Call, highlighting how its weak‑signal performance and keyboard‑to‑keyboard messaging can support emergency operations when voice modes are unreliable.
He also demonstrated Rattlegram, an acoustic‑coupling text‑message app for Android and Apple devices. Rattlegram allows a cellphone to send short, structured messages without internet or Wi‑Fi, using sound tones passed through two ham radios; base stations, or HTs. It’s designed for quick communication when normal networks are congested or unavailable, making it a useful supplemental tool during emergencies.
Members also reviewed upcoming community events, including the Family Emergency Preparedness Day on Saturday, September 12th from 08:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Brecknock Park in Camden, DE. ARES participation helps promote public awareness of emergency planning and communication resources.
The next ARES meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
All licensed amateurs—whether KCARC members or not—are welcome to attend and participate.
🔊 – On the Air
Wednesday Night Net at 7:00 PM on 146.910 MHz with 77 Hz PL
ARES Net on Saturdays at 9:00 AM on the same repeater
Friendly check‑ins, updates, and a steady way to stay connected during the winter months. Any amateur radio operator is welcome to join both nets, whether you are a long‑time member, a new licensee, or just passing through the area. There is always room for another voice on frequency.
🛠️ – Repeater News
- VHF Camden repeater (146.910) MHz remains our primary hub.
- VHF Dover repeater (146.970 MHz)
- UHF Dover repeater (444.550 MHz)
🗼- New to Ham Radio? – September Update
September is a great time for new amateur radio operators to settle in and explore the hobby. Cooler weather and steadier band conditions make it easier to experiment, listen, and learn without the fast‑changing patterns of summer. Whether you’re just getting licensed or returning after time away, this month offers plenty of chances to build confidence on the air.
KCARC continues to support new and aspiring operators through our mentor program, helping you get familiar with your equipment, understand operating basics, and find the parts of amateur radio that interest you most. Early fall is a perfect time to try simple activities like checking in on a net, making a first HF contact, or learning how to use digital modes.
If you’re curious about getting started, we invite you to join a meeting, reach out to a mentor, or listen/join in on our weekly nets. Amateur radio grows through shared experience, and there’s always room for new voices across the bands.
Visit KC3ARC.ORG for repeater details, club updates, and resources to guide you into the hobby.
🎓 – License Testing Information
Looking to earn your amateur radio license or upgrade your current one? You can find upcoming testing sessions in our area using the link below. It’s an easy way to see dates, locations, and available exam opportunities.
Route 66 On The Air – September Special Event
September brings one of amateur radio’s most popular annual operating events: Route 66 On The Air, celebrating the history and legacy of America’s “Mother Road.” This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and special event stations will be active from September 12th through September 20th, operating from cities and landmarks along the historic highway. Stations will use distinctive 1×1 callsigns such as W6A through W6Z, each representing a different location tied to Route 66’s 2,448‑mile path from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Operators across the country—and worldwide—are invited to get on the air, make contacts, and enjoy the celebration. Whether you’re chasing all participating stations or just looking to log a few, Route 66 On The Air offers a fun mix of nostalgia, history, and radio activity across HF and VHF bands. It’s a great opportunity for new and experienced operators alike to join in a major on‑air event and connect with stations honoring one of America’s most iconic highways.
📡 Here’s to clear bands, steady signals, and a strong, active start to September as we head into another great month on the air.
🇺🇸 73, The KCARC Ham Radio Club Team 🇺🇸
K-Ind
K-Index – indices from observatories around the globe updated every three hours.
0 and 1 represent quiet magnetic conditions equal good HF band conditions, subject to a sufficient level of solar flux.
2 and 4 indicate unsettled or even active magnetic conditions, reflected in a degradation of HF conditions.
5 represents a minor storm.
6 larger storms.
7 – 9 represents a very major storm that would result in a blackout of HF communications.
A-Ind
A-Index – Daily Average of Magnetic Activity
0 to 3 Represent quiet magnetic conditions, thus good HF band conditions.
4 Quiet to unsettled
7 Unsettled
15 Active – active magnetic conditions, reflected in a degradation of HF conditions.
27 Active – active magnetic conditions, reflected in a degradation of HF conditions.
48 Minor storm
80 Major storm
132 Severe storm
208 Very major storm – blackout of HF communications
400 Very major storm – blackout of HF communications
SFI
Solar Flux Index (SFI) measures the sun’s radio emissions at a wavelength of 10.7 cm (2800 MHz).
70 – Not Good
80 – Good
90 – Better
100+ – Best
Monthly Club Meetings
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm.
Meetings are held in the conference room of the
Kent County Emergency Operations Center. (EOC)
911 Public Safety Blvd. Dover, DE.
Drive up to within about 1 or 2 feet of the gate, it will automatically open. No code or access is needed for the gate.
After passing through the gate make an immediate left and park there.
The door you will see is our access door into the building. The door is locked, but during meeting nights someone is close by to open it. Our meeting room is straight in when you past through the doors.
ARES Meeting
Meetings are held at 7 PM on the last Monday
of the month in the conference room of the
Kent County Emergency Operations Center.
911 Public Safety Blvd. Dover, DE.
(The Club Radio Room will be open 2 hours
before each meeting for Club members
to use the UHF/VHF/HF radios located there)
Check the Calendar of Events for the next Meeting date.
KC3ARC NETS
Day
Time
Frequency
Offset Frequency
Offset / Mode / CTCSS
Net Name
Download Script
Wednesday
7pm Eastern
146.910
600 kHz
(-) / Tone / 77.0 Hz
Wednesday Night Net
Saturday
9am Eastern
146.910
600 kHz
(-) / Tone / 77.0 Hz
ARES Net
Delmarva Emergency Net
- 3.905 MHz 6:30pm EST (22:30 UTC) Sundays
Net Control: Tim KC3OO, Jim KC3BTV, Spence NS3F (Sussex Co)
Delaware Traffic Net
- 3.905 MHz 6:30pm EST (22:30 UTC) Monday thru Saturday
DMR Net on the 8802 talkgroup
Monday’s at 8 PM on the N3YMS repeater system. A part of the Interstate DMR system.
Net control is Larry (K3LT), or Danny N3WCB.
Saturday Evening Rag Chew (open topics, anything you would like to discuss)
Saturday’s at 8pm on the Mount Joy repeater, 443.200
Net hosts: Willie KC3RPU, or Russell KC3RP
Traffic Nets in the DE/NJ/MD/PA areas
If you’re interested in reaching Traffic Nets in surrounding states, check out this comprehensive daily list. It covers National Traffic System (NTS) nets across VHF, UHF, and HF bands.
Traffic Nets
Compiled by Josh, KD3AHL
Contact, information, or webpage questions: info@kc3arc.org