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.
📡 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
📻 – August Message from KCARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
August settles in with warm days, active skies, and steady opportunities for operators across Kent County to stay connected. Late‑summer conditions to possibly offer good propagation, giving members plenty of chances to refine antennas, test portable gear, and enjoy on‑the‑air activity throughout the region. Many operators are already making the most of the season with evening HF sessions, mobile work, and park activations before cooler weather arrives.
This month also marks the height of Mid‑Atlantic storm season. Several systems are already developing offshore, and Delaware continues to see fast‑moving thunderstorms and heavy rain events. We encourage all members to take a moment to review station grounding, surge protection, and safety procedures. Staying weather‑aware remains a core part of responsible amateur radio operation. Our Hurricane Preparedness page is available for updated frequencies, checklists, and seasonal guidance.
We also want to recognize the strong participation during recent club activities and nets. Even with shifting weather and busy summer schedules, KCARC members continue to show dedication, 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 August, we look forward to continued engagement across our meetings, nets, and events. KCARC thrives because of the commitment and enthusiasm of its members, and your contributions keep our community strong across every band and mode.
Stay safe, stay active, and enjoy another great month of amateur radio.
📅 – August Club Meeting – KCARC
The Kent County Amateur Radio Club will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11th at 7pm at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Boulevard, Dover, Delaware. Members will gather to review recent activity, share updates, and continue planning for the remainder of the summer operating season.
We are pleased to announce that John (AA1K) will be joining us to give a presentation during the meeting. John is well‑known throughout the region for his operating experience and technical knowledge, and his insights are always appreciated by both new and seasoned amateurs. This month’s presentation promises to be a valuable addition to our agenda and a great opportunity for members to learn, ask questions, and engage with one of Delaware’s most respected operators.
Additional discussion will cover current projects, recent operating highlights, and club activities underway across Kent County. As always, member participation is what keeps KCARC active and connected, and we look forward to another productive and enjoyable meeting.
🚨- ARES Meeting Update – August
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, August 31st at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
ARES plays a vital role in maintaining reliable communication during severe weather, infrastructure disruptions, and county‑level emergencies. Your involvement strengthens our readiness and ensures Kent County remains prepared for whatever the season brings.
Whether you’re newly licensed or an experienced operator, your skills and participation make a meaningful difference.
🔊 – 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? – August Update
August is a great month for new amateur radio operators to get involved. Late‑summer band conditions remain active, and many members are still out experimenting with portable setups, antennas, and warm‑weather operating projects. It’s an ideal time to listen in, ask questions, and see how different stations handle real‑world conditions across HF, VHF, and UHF.
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 preparing for your first license exam or trying out new modes, we’re here to help you build confidence and enjoy the hobby.
This month, we encourage newcomers to try simple hands‑on activities such as programming a handheld, setting up a basic portable station, or making your first contact during one of our nets. Small projects like these help build skills quickly and make it easier to get 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.
🎓 – 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 August 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