ARRL Delaware Section
Greetings from Sussex County
Spring is here in its full glory. Pollen, warmer weather and the increasing potential for storms. Hurricane season starts in just a few short weeks. The Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University have released their prediction that 2024 will have an extremely active season; they expect the hurricane season to include 23 named storms with 11 reaching hurricane strength and five storms will be major hurricanes. The CSU predictions can be found at https://tropical.colostate.edu/forecasting.html.
Another Delaware State Convention/Hamfest is in the books
The Sussex Amateur Radio Association sponsored the Delaware State Convention and Hamfest on April 20 at the Cheer Center in Georgetown. The convention was well attended with many clubs and operators selling gear. Two forums were run providing updates on several topics. Wendy Horn, W3NRN, Section Emergency Coordinator provided ARES and EmComm updates; Pat Ryan, KW3Z, State Government Liaison, provided updates on the federal HOA bill; Bob Famiglio, K3RF, Atl Div. Director and Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM, Atl Div Vice Director provided ARRL and other updates. Chris Cote, KE3NJ, Section Youth Coordinator ran several stations out of his bus using Yagi antennas making some satellite contacts. Clearly the topic of the day was the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act.
Legislative Update: Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (AREPA)
The “Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act” bill is making progress at the federal level. As of this newsletter, I and other section staff are attending as many meetings as possible to get all licensee’s in the state to complete letters of support of the federal bill. These letters will be hand delivered to our Delaware legislators making it clear Delaware licensees want this bill passed. Once the federal bill is passed; section staff will be introducing a complementary bill in the state legislature to ensure licensees are covered. Pass the word about the bill and section staff having letters to sign. This is an ‘all hands’ operation where every letter will count.
Delaware QSO Party – May 4-5, 2024
The First State Amateur Radio Club (FSARC) sponsors the Delaware QSO Party every year. I encourage every radio operator to jump in and make some contacts. Brush off your HF rig and jump on the radio for an hour or a day. This contest is very easy and a great primer for the larger contests. This event is one of the best ways to put Delaware on the map for contests. There are thousands of QSO party operators who look forward to making a contact with a Delaware Station. Visit the FSARC club for rules.
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest & Upgrading Members
Join me in welcoming the latest additions to our vibrant community:
KB3LGM Frank Clowes
KC3BPO Stanley Gorak, Jr
KC3CLZ Catherine Twyford
KC3YUI Robert Willemin
KC3YUJ Joe Trybulski
KC3YUN James Larrimore Jr
KC3YUO Dale C. Robertson
KC3YUQ Foufu Ding
KC3YUT James E. Logan
KC3YWR Matthew S. Duphily
KC3YXE Kevin J. Lehman
KC3YXP Susan T. Hines
KC3YXQ Jarel A. Harrison
KC3ZAD Richard H. Cullen Jr
Upcoming Events and Contests
The Delaware State QSO Party is this weekend, May 4-5. Also a look ahead notes the 13 Colonies event where Delaware Stations run the K2E callsign. Details can be found on the ARRL Contest Calendar
Let’s Stay Connected
Your insights, questions, and active participation are the lifeblood of our community. I’m here to support and engage with all of you, whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned operator. Together, we can keep our passion for amateur radio thriving.
73, Steven Keller Delaware Section Manager
Email: kc3dso@gmail.com
Cell: 240.515.0620 Office: 302.604.7470
ARRL Delaware Section Reflector (https://groups.io/g/ARRLDelawareSection)
ARRL Sections – Delaware (https://arrl.org/sections/view/delaware)
