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
🚨 Venezuela Earthquake — Emergency Radio Frequencies 🚨
A major earthquake has disrupted communications across Venezuela. Amateur radio operators are moving critical traffic on HF, and we’re asking all hams to help keep these channels clear.
🔴 Primary Emergency Frequency (Venezuela)
7.135 MHz — 40 meters Used for:
Health & welfare traffic
Medical assistance requests
Logistics & supply coordination
Rescue and transportation needs
👉 Please monitor only. Do not transmit on or near this frequency.
🌐 International / IARU Emergency Frequencies
These may also carry regional or international emergency traffic:
3.750 MHz — 80m (Region 2)
7.060 MHz — 40m (Region 2)
14.300 MHz — 20m (Global Maritime & Emergency)
18.160 MHz — 17m (IARU Emergency)
21.360 MHz — 15m (IARU Emergency)
📡 How You Can Help
Listen, don’t transmit unless directly involved
Give the frequency space to support weak stations
Avoid QRM near active emergency channels
Stay situationally aware and follow official bulletins
📻 July Message from KCARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
July arrives with hot weather, hopefully active bands, and plenty of opportunities for operators across Kent County to stay engaged. Summer propagation continues to improve, giving members more chances to experiment with antennas, portable setups, and on‑the‑air activity throughout the region. Many operators are already taking advantage of the season with park activations, mobile work, and evening HF sessions.
This month also brings increased thunderstorm activity across Delaware, and several systems are already tracking through the Mid‑Atlantic. As always, we encourage members to review their station grounding, surge protection, and safety procedures. Staying weather‑aware is an important part of responsible amateur radio operation, especially during the peak of summer storm season. You can revisit our Hurricane Preparedness page for frequencies, checklists, and other critical information.
We also want to thank everyone for their flexibility during last weekend’s weather disruption. Due to lightning and severe storm forecasts, Saturday’s Field Day operations were cancelled to protect participants and equipment. Sunday’s operations continued as scheduled, and we appreciate the strong turnout, teamwork, and professionalism shown by everyone who participated. Your adaptability is what keeps KCARC running smoothly, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
As we move through July, we look forward to continued activity on our nets, meetings, and events. KCARC thrives because of the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, and your involvement keeps our club strong, connected, and active across the bands. Stay safe, stay engaged, and enjoy another great month of amateur radio.
📅 – July Club Meeting – KCARC
The Kent County Amateur Radio Club will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening July 14th, 7pm at the Kent County 911 Center, , 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
Josh (KD3AHL) will provide a full overview of how Summer Field Day 2026 went, including final preparation notes, operating highlights, and a summary of of Field Day.
🚨 – ARES Meeting update:
We are actively seeking new ARES members to assist during regional emergencies. If you’re interested in serving the community and supporting emergency communications, join us at the next ARES meeting on Monday, July 27th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
Your involvement makes a real difference in keeping Kent County ready for whatever the season brings.
🔊 – 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? – July Update
July is an excellent time for new amateur radio operators to get involved. Summer band conditions remain active, and many members are out operating portable, experimenting with antennas, and enjoying warm‑weather radio projects. It’s a great month to listen in, ask questions, and see how different stations handle real‑world operating conditions.
KCARC continues supporting new and returning operators through our mentor program, helping you get comfortable with your equipment, understand operating practices, and explore the parts of the hobby that interest you most. Whether you’re studying for your first license or trying out new modes, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
This month, we encourage newcomers to try simple hands‑on projects such as building a basic wire antenna, programming a handheld, or making your first HF contact. Small steps build skills quickly and help you feel more comfortable on the air.
We invite you to join a meeting, check in on a net, or reach out if you’re curious about getting started. Amateur radio thrives on shared knowledge and community, 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.
⭐ 13 Colonies Special Event – July 1–7, 2026
The annual 13 Colonies Special Event returns July 1–7, 2026, giving amateur radio operators the chance to work all original colony stations, bonus stations, and earn one of the most popular certificates in the hobby. Operating begins July 1 at 9:00 AM Eastern and runs through July 7 at Midnight Eastern (1300 UTC July 1 to 0400 UTC July 8).
This is a fun, friendly operating event open to all hams—new, experienced, HF, or QRP, so warm up the shack, spin the dial, and see how many colonies you can collect this year.
For more details, visit the official event page or check spotting networks once the event begins.
🎓 – 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.
📡 Here’s to clear bands, steady signals, and a strong, active start to July 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