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
📻 – April Message from KC3ARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
As we move into April, KC3ARC continues to stay active across the airwaves and throughout Kent County. Spring is settling in, and many members are taking advantage of the better weather to work on antennas, portable setups, and outdoor projects. It’s a great time to check your gear, try a new mode, or get back on the air after the winter months.
This month also gives us a chance to look ahead. If you have ideas for activities, demonstrations, workshops, or field exercises you’d like to see the club take on, now is the perfect time to share them. Member input is what shapes our calendar and keeps the club moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in our nets, meetings, and events. Your involvement is what keeps KC3ARC strong, welcoming, and active throughout the year.
📡 Delmarva Radio & Electronics EXPO – ARRL Delaware State Convention
Saturday, April 18th – Sussex Academy, Georgetown, DE
The Delmarva Radio & Electronics EXPO returns on Saturday, April 18th, now at its new location: Sussex Academy in Georgetown, Delaware. This year’s event also serves as the ARRL Delaware State Convention, bringing together amateur radio operators, electronics enthusiasts, and clubs from across the region.
The EXPO features:
New and used radio equipment, antennas, accessories, and test gear inside and outside in the tailgating area.
Local and regional vendors, Fisher Cable, HRO, QuickSilver, Sully and more..
- Silent Auction area
Technical demonstrations and presentations
ARRL representatives and Delaware Section leadership
A full day of community, learning, and hands‑on radio
- Prizes, including an Icom 7300 mkII
Full event details are available at: www.radioelectronicsexpo.com
KCARC will also have two tables available for club members, offering space to display gear, sell items, or simply connect with visitors throughout the day. Members are encouraged to stop by, participate, and help represent the club.
KCARC invites all members, newcomers, and friends of the club to attend and support this major Delaware amateur radio event. It’s a great opportunity to explore equipment, meet operators from across the region, and enjoy a day dedicated to radio and electronics.
📅 May Club Meeting – K3ARC
Sorry we missed you at the April meeting. If you could not make it, we hope to see you next month as we continue moving into the busy spring season for the club.
The next meeting of the Kent County Amateur Radio Club will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
We will review updates from April, go over current club projects, discuss upcoming events (Summer Field Day) and nets, and open the floor for ideas and suggestions as we head toward summer activities. Whether you are working HF, experimenting with digital modes, or just getting started in amateur radio, your participation helps keep the club active and connected.
All members, guests, and anyone interested in amateur radio are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you on May 12.
🚨 – ARES Meeting on April 27th
The March ARES meeting will take place on Monday, April 27th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
With spring approaching, this meeting is a good opportunity to review readiness, discuss recent activity, and prepare for the upcoming season of public service events and weather-related operations.
Participation from new and experienced operators strengthens the group, and all ARES members, KCARC members, and anyone with an interest in emergency communications are welcome to attend.
🔊 – 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)
📦 – Club Classifieds Have Returned
Our self entered and self maintained club classified ads are available. Members will once again be able to post equipment for sale, list items they are looking for, and share radio related gear with the rest of the club and the region.
The system is simple to use and gives everyone a convenient place to exchange equipment within the KC3ARC community.
Keep an eye on the website as the classifieds reopen and feel free to add your listings.
🗼 – New to Ham Radio? – April Update
April is a great month to get started in amateur radio. With warmer weather returning, operators across Kent County are heading outdoors to check antennas, set up portable stations, and experiment with new gear. It’s an ideal time for newcomers to jump in, ask questions, and learn by doing.
KC3ARC offers a mentor program designed to help new operators get on the air and support returning operators who want to refresh their skills. Whether you’re studying for your first license, exploring digital modes, or making your first contact, we’re here to help you grow at your own pace.
Whether you’re a long‑time operator, a newcomer, or someone simply curious about amateur radio, we invite you to join a meeting, check in on the air, or reach out with questions. There’s always room for more voices and more knowledge on the dial.
Visit KC3ARC.ORG for repeater information, club updates, and resources to guide you through 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.
Click here to view local license testing sessions.
📡 Wishing you clear signals, steady contacts, and a productive start to April.
🇺🇸 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
Lake Forest High School (Lake Forest Amateur Radio Club) KD3AME
Tuesday’s at 3pm on the KC3ARC Camden Repeater 146.910 (-) 77hz pl
LFARC https://sites.google.com/view/lfarc/home A student based organization at Lake Forest High School in Felton, Delaware
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