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
📻 – May Message from KC3ARC – Kent County Amateur Radio Club
As we move into May, KC3ARC is shifting into the busy season for amateur radio. Warmer days mean more opportunities for portable operations, antenna work, and getting radios out into the field. Many members are already preparing for upcoming events, experimenting with new setups, and taking advantage of the longer daylight hours.
May also brings several operating opportunities, including the Delaware QSO Party and early planning for Summer Field Day. If you’re interested in helping with an activation, trying a new band, or joining a small group project, this is a great month to get involved. Your participation is what keeps our club active and connected.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our nets, meetings, and activities. KC3ARC 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.
📅 May Club Meeting – K3ARC
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.
Summer Field Day 2026 is coming up on June 27–28, and preparations are already underway for a fun, relaxed, POTA‑style weekend. This year’s event is led by Josh Farrell KD3AHL, with a focus on community, learning, and getting new hams on the air. All members are encouraged to take part, 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 that’s all about teamwork and having fun.
Check out the May issue of the VP WaveForm for some preliminary info.
🚨 – ARES Meeting on May 25th
The May ARES meeting will take place on Monday, May 25th at 7:00 PM at the Kent County 911 Center, 911 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE.
Our May ARES meeting will focus on readiness as we head into the start of hurricane season. This is the time of year when our training, equipment checks, and coordination really matter, and all operators are encouraged to review their go‑kits and station capabilities. We’ll discuss seasonal preparedness, communication expectations, and how we can best support our served agencies in the months ahead. Your participation helps ensure Kent County is ready for whatever the season brings.
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)
📡 Delaware QSO Party – This Weekend!
The Delaware QSO Party takes place next weekend, running from Saturday May 2 at 1:00 PM EDT through Sunday May 3 at 7:59 PM EDT.
Contest Period: 1700Z May 2nd 2026 – 2359Z May 3rd 2026 for you Zulu time fans.
All KCARC members are encouraged to get on the air and help represent Delaware across all three counties.
This is a great chance for new operators to gain experience and for seasoned hams to help showcase our state. Join in, make contacts, and help put Delaware on the map for the weekend.
Delaware QSO Party – Hosted by FSARC
Check out the link above for more information.
🗼- New to Ham Radio? – May Update
May is an exciting month to explore amateur radio, with more on‑air activity and plenty of opportunities to learn by getting involved. As operating events pick up and outdoor projects ramp up, it’s a great time for newcomers to listen in, ask questions, and start building confidence on the air.
KCARC continues to support new and retur1ning operators through our mentor program, helping you get comfortable with your equipment, understand operating practices, and find the parts of the hobby that interest you most. Whether you’re preparing for your first license, trying out HF for the first time, or exploring digital modes, we’re here to help you move forward.
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.
🎓 – 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, good propagation, and a solid start to May.
🇺🇸 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