ARRL Delaware Section Manager Newsletter – February 2025

Greetings from Sussex County

I write this month’s newsletter having just completed visiting several Winter Field Day Sites in the section. I operated at two of them and assisted with initial antenna and radio/computer setups.  WFD was a success. This EmComm event went well with many clubs and groups running stations. The setup varied from mobile (trailer), inside building and even a converted motor-home. Stations ran the gamut on modes, digital, SSB and CW. One common for all but one station was the use of computer software for logging. M1NN and the N3FJP Winter Field Day programs were the ones I saw most. Using software, even without an internet connection, provides efficiency and accuracy when logging. With an internet connection software provides instant feedback on the callsign you are entering to ensure you have the correct callsign. It’s never too early to start planning for Field Day on June 28-29. Reservations for shelters, yurts, campsites are best done early.

I operated in the January 18-20 VHF contest from Cape Henlopen State Park with three other radio operators from Sussex County. A series of antennas, some handmade along with three radios we operated from HF to 1.2 GHz. Simple equipment can be used for most of these contests. Just about all HF rigs run 6 meters and many are ‘multi band, multi-mode” to allow 1.25m, 2m, & 70cm. February brings the start of QSO parties, another School Club Roundup and International DX CW contest.

ARRL Delaware Section Youth Initiative

The ARRL Delaware Section, in collaboration with QRZ and Gigaparts, is excited to announce a new Youth Initiative aimed at fostering youth engagement in the Amateur Radio Service. This initiative will provide a free dual band radio Jump Start Kit to all newly (30 days) licensed operators 17 and under. As part of the QRZ Jump Start Program, the Delaware Section is expanding its reach by offering these kits at no cost to residents of Delaware. The QRZ Jump Start Program consists of:

• QRZ Explorer QRZ-1 dual band HT
• Radio manual
• Gigaparts’ New Ham Guide book
• USB programming cable
• RT Systems Explorer QRZ-1 Programming software with a license key

By participating in the Delaware Section Youth Initiative, young amateur radio operators can quickly get On The Air with everything they need to begin their journey into the world of ham radio. Additionally, this program bypasses some standard QRZ requirements to ensure a smooth and swift start for youth. For questions about the Delaware Section Youth Initiative contact me, Steven, KC3DSO, via the contact info at the bottom of this newsletter.

Speaking of getting new hams, the Nanticoke Amateur Radio Club is hosting a 1.5 day Technician Class. The class will be February 22-23, 2025. Testing at 2pm on 2/23/25. For more information contact Pat Ryan, KW3Z, at pryan@ryanarchitect.com. 

World Amateur Radio Day 2025 Open House – April 18

To help promote amateur radio science and technology, and to honor the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), ARRL is inviting radio clubs and schools to organize a Ham Radio Open House in April, built around World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) on April 18.The event is intended to highlight the Amateur Radio Service for its development and practice of the latest radio communications and technology, and as a hands-on pathway into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for the next generation. 

In April, amateur radio clubs, school stations, and other groups will have the opportunity to advance public knowledge about ham radio by welcoming their communities into their stations for the Ham Radio Open House, as part of World Amateur Radio Day. The focus will be on scientific advancement and demonstrating cutting-edge technology. This is a chance to not only shape the conversation about modern ham radio but also to show how it serves as a stepping stone and testbed for many young people pursuing STEM education and future high-tech careers. For more information search Ham Radio Open House on www.arrl.org.

Intro to the ARRL – Part 1

I attend just about every club meeting in the state and other events and am often asked about who is the ARRL, what they do for us and what is my ‘job’ as Section Manager. I am starting a short mini-series of articles on the ARRL to answer those questions.

ARRL Headquarters

Located in Newington, Conn, HQ staff is composed of about 100 paid employees and a few contractors who produce four magazines (QST, QEX, National Contest Journal and On The Air) and a variety of technical books pertaining to amateur radio. The ARRL has a few contracted staff who represent the interests of amateur radio before the FCC and certain international organizations. A large variety of operating awards are offered by the ARRL to reward members for their skill in contacting amateur stations around the world. The ARRL also publishes technical evaluations of new amateur radio equipment and urges amateur radio operators to participate in public service events.  One of the largest activities of the ARRL is Field Day in June in which amateur operators and clubs are encouraged to operate away from home, using temporary antennas and emergency power. Points are awarded for the number of stations contacted in a 24-hour period. Information about Field Day 2025 can be found at www.arrl.org/field-day.

The HQ staff is responsible to a Chief Executive Officer who is chosen by the ARRL Board of Directors. The CEO is responsible for seeing that ARRL policy is implemented and that staff at HQ.  The ARRL is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors that represent geographical areas.  The board is elected by ARRL members for a staggered three-year term. Five of these Division Directors are elected each year for terms that begin January 1. Each Division also has a Vice Director who can stand in for an absent Director and can vote during Director absences or in conflict-of-interest situations. Vice Directors for the Divisions are elected at the same time as the Director for a particular Division.

The ARRL Board meets twice a year in Newington (January and July) and hear from ARRL committees before establishing policy. Among the three major committees (Administration and Finance, Programs and Services and Emergency Communications and Field Services) the Administration and Finance Committee reviews budgetary matters and sets the ARRL budget. Next month’s newsletter will start with the 71 Sections within the 15 divisions.

Upcoming Events & Contests

• School Club Roundup – February 10-14, There are two School Club Roundups during each school year in October and February. Each 5-day event runs Monday through Friday from 1300 UTC Monday through 2359 UTC Friday. A station may operate no more than 6 hours in a 24-hour period, and a maximum of 24 hours of the 109-hour event.
• ARRL International DX – CW – February 15-16. To encourage W/VE stations to expand knowledge of DX propagation on HF and MF bands, improve operating skills, and improve station capability by creating a competition in which DX stations may only contact W/VE (W=US, VE=Canada) stations.
• ARRL International DX – PHONE – March 1-2, 2025. To encourage W/VE stations to expand knowledge of DX propagation on HF and MF bands, improve operating skills, and improve station capability by creating a competition in which DX stations may only contact W/VE stations.  

Visit contests.arrl.org or www.contestcalendar.com for details on these and upcoming contests.

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest & Upgrading Members Join me in welcoming the latest additions to our vibrant community:

• John Hightower, KC3EDF
• Louis Perna Jr., KC3EDI
• Robert Kellam, KD3AJG
• Ronald Reid, KD3AJP
• Paul Nuwer II., KC3EOT
• John Voznak, KD3AKT
• Sonia DeRiggi, KD3ALX
• Richard McMahon, KD3AMD
• Lake Forest ARC, KD3AME

Get and stay active!

As we wrap up this edition, let’s remember that amateur radio is more than just a hobby—it’s a community. Each time we tune in, we connect with voices from around the world, sharing knowledge, experiences, and a passion for communication. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, your contributions make our community stronger.  Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep reaching out. The airwaves are filled with endless possibilities, and together, we can make them come alive. Until next time, stay curious and keep the spirit of amateur radio alive!

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)