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
📻 – June Message from KCARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
As we move into June, KCARC enters one of the most active times of the year for amateur radio. Longer days and warmer weather mean more opportunities for portable operations, antenna projects, and getting radios out into the field. Many members are already preparing for summer activities, testing new setups, and staying active across the bands.
June also marks the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season, a reminder of the important role amateur radio plays in emergency communication. To help the community stay prepared, we’ve published a fully updated Hurricane Preparedness page with checklists, emergency frequencies, and official National Hurricane Center resources. Take a moment to review your equipment, update your go‑kits, and make sure you’re ready before severe weather arrives.
This month also brings one of the biggest events of the year : ARRL Field Day on June 27th –28th. Field Day is a great opportunity to practice emergency operations, demonstrate amateur radio to the public, and enjoy time with fellow operators. All are welcome to participate, whether you’re operating, logging, or just stopping by to learn.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our nets, meetings, and activities. KCARC thrives because of the enthusiasm and teamwork of its members, and we look forward to another strong month on the air and in the community. Your participation is what keeps our club active and connected.
📅 June Club Meeting – KCARC
The Kent County Amateur Radio Club held its regular monthly meeting last evening at the Kent County 911 Center. Josh (KD3AHL) provided updated information on plans for Summer Field Day 2026, including final prep details and notes on the food that will be available during the event at Big Oak County Park in Smyrna on June 27–28.
This year’s Field Day continues to focus on community, learning, and getting new hams on the air, with all members encouraged to participate, support one another, and help showcase the best of amateur radio to visitors. Whether you’re experienced or brand‑new, come out, get involved, and enjoy a Field Day built around teamwork and fun.
For the latest updates as we get closer, be sure to visit our Summer Field Day 2026 webpage.
Paul (KC3VTI) shared a brief update on the club’s participation in Smyrna at Night, confirming that KCARC and ARES will host an information tent where visitors can stop by, learn about amateur radio, and meet local operators.
The next club meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center.
🚨 – 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, June 29th 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? – June Update
June is a great month to explore amateur radio, with more operators active across the bands and plenty of opportunities to learn by listening, asking questions, and getting on the air. Warmer weather also means more portable activity, giving newcomers a chance to see real‑world setups in action.
KCARC continues to support new and returning operators through our mentor program, helping you get comfortable with your equipment, understand operating practices, and discover 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.
This month we’re also encouraging new hams to try simple summer projects like; building a basic wire antenna, programming a handheld, or making your first HF contact. Small steps build confidence fast.
We invite you to join a meeting, check in on a net, or reach out if you’re curious about getting started. Amateur radio is built on shared knowledge and community, and there’s always room for new voices on the dial.
Visit KC3ARC.ORG for repeater details, club updates, and resources to guide you into the hobby.
The Lewis and Clark Trail on the Air event.
From June 6th through June 21st, operators across the country will be activating points along the historic trail for more than two weeks of fun, flexible operating.
KC3ARC members are encouraged to jump in, make contacts, and enjoy one of the most engaging on‑air
events of the year.
Two certificate levels are available for participants:
• Expedition Partner — earned by working all 16 states, with the option to substitute 1–2 bonus stations. 
• Trail Companion — earned by working any 1–15 states, including optional bonus stations.
🎓 – 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.
⭐ 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.
📡 Here’s to clear bands, steady signals, and a strong, active start to June 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