ARRL Delaware Section

ARRL Delaware Section Manager Newsletter – December 2024 

Delaware Section Manager’s Annual Update

As I reflect on my first year as Delaware Section Manager, I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of many individuals, we’ve made significant strides in several key areas:

 

  • Regular Drills & Training: We’ve implemented ongoing drills to keep our Emergency Communications (EmComm) skills sharp. Regular training helps ensure we’re always prepared for any situation, and this year, we’ve integrated the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) into our section training, enhancing our coordination.
  • Winlink Training: The Winlink program continues to expand, further strengthening our section’s digital messaging capabilities. As we move forward, this initiative will enhance communication between hams, served agencies, and emergency management.
  • 2025 Training Standards: New training standards are set for 2025, ensuring we provide even more value to our served agencies. These updated guidelines will help us stay effective and responsive in our work.
  • Grant for Digital Infrastructure: I’ve applied for a $25,000 grant to improve our section’s digital communications infrastructure. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to communicate in a variety of scenarios.
  • Information Dissemination: This year, we’ve made great progress in sharing relevant information across the section. It’s no longer just about updates from the ARRL—it’s about connecting and engaging with every part of the community.  

 

I’ve also enjoyed seeing clubs come together for joint events, and I look forward to more collaborative efforts in the future.

 

ARRL Affiliated Club Annual Update

A reminder for all ARRL-affiliated clubs: Clubs are required to update their records annually, even if there have been no changes. This update ensures that the ARRL knows your club is still active. The best time to do this is after your club’s annual elections.  To update your club’s information, the designated officer needs a valid login on the ARRL website. Simply search for “updating your club record” on the ARRL homepage. The overview document provided will guide you through the process.

 

2025 SKYWARN Recognition Day – December 7, 2025

We’re excited to announce that SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on December 7, 2025. This event honors the dedication of SKYWARN volunteers who provide real-time, ground-truth reports to the National Weather Service (NWS) during severe weather events.  Amateur radio operators and SKYWARN spotters are encouraged to participate by exchanging QSO information with as many other spotters and NWS stations as possible. The event runs from 0000 to 2359 UTC on December 7, 2025.  Special event station: The ARRL Radio Laboratory Station, W1HQ, will operate under the call sign WX1AW during the event.  Participation certificates will be available after the event. For more details and to

register, visit: www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition.

 

Upcoming Events & Contests

  • 160 Meter Contest – December 6-8, 2024 – Amateurs worldwide will exchange CW information on the 160-meter band with W/VE amateurs.
  • 10 Meter Contest – December 14-15, 2024 – This contest challenges amateurs worldwide to exchange QSO information on the 10-meter band.
  • Winter Field Day – January 25-26, 2025 – Winter Field Day (WFD) is an annual event where amateurs set up operations in remote locations to simulate emergency conditions. The event encourages preparedness and operational excellence. Whether you set up solo, with a group, or at a Park on the Air (POTA) location, make sure to register and get on the map! For more details, visit Winter Field Day.
  • North American SSB Sprint Contest – November 10-11, 2024 – The contest runs from 0000 UTC on November 10 to 0359 UTC on November 11. North American stations will contact as many other stations

as possible, while non-North American stations focus on North American stations. For rules and more info, visit SSB Sprint.

For more contest details, visit ARRL Contests or Contest Calendar.

 

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest & Upgrading Members

Please join me in welcoming the newest members of our vibrant community:

  • JT Koffenberger, Jr KD3ACF
  • Wendy Griffin KD3ACR
  • Benjamin Dennison KD3ACF
  • Katina Thongvong KD3ADF
  • Guanglu Miao KD3AEI
  • Haifeng Xie KD3AEK
  • Brian Keithly KD3AFF
  • Andrew Hensler KD3AFR

We’re excited to have you with us!

 

Wishing You a Safe and Joyous Holiday Season!  As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a safe, restful, and enjoyable time. Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication to our section.

 

 

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) 

Delaware Section Manager Archives: