ARRL Delaware Section
ARRL Delaware Section Manager Newsletter – April 2024
Warm Greetings to All Delaware Hams! As spring unfurls its colors, bringing both beautiful weather and a fair share of rain, it’s a gentle reminder for us in the amateur radio community to stay alert and prepared. Recent coastal flooding warnings from DEMA underscore the importance of situational awareness—a principle just as crucial in our daily lives as it is in our roles as radio operators.
Skywarn System Activation:
Be the Eyes and Ears for NWS In light of the changing weather, I encourage everyone to actively use your local repeaters for updates. Delaware’s comprehensive Skywarn System is in full swing, and your participation as ‘boots on the ground’ provides invaluable, near-instant data that bolsters community safety. Your reports are critical to the National Weather Service, informing updates that are shared with the public.
Legislative Update:
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act The “Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act” continues to make strides forward. Soon, all radio licensees will be invited to support the bill, primarily through advocating to our legislators. As your Section Manager, I’ll be visiting club meetings and events to gather your signatures on a collective letter to be presented by our Section Staff to legislators. Please note, there have been reports of unrelated surveys circulating—these are not issued by ARRL or the Delaware Section. If received, contact me directly for review. Additionally, with the federal bill’s progress, we’ll be introducing a complementary bill in the state legislature to address the needs of those in HOAs, ensuring all our licensees are covered.
April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse:
A Call to Support Scientific Endeavors The upcoming Solar Eclipse presents a unique opportunity for amateur radio operators to aid scientific research. With potential communications disruptions anticipated, CISA has published a “Solar Eclipse Communications Planning and Resource Guide.” The eclipse, boasting a maximum totality of 4 minutes and 28 seconds, promises to be an event unlike any since 2017. Wendy, W3NRN, our SEC, is coordinating participants via the ARRL Delaware Section groups.io forum. Your contribution, especially in gathering data for HamSCI and the Case Amateur Radio Club, is invaluable.
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest & Upgrading Members:
Join me in welcoming the latest additions to our vibrant community:
- KC3YOC, Charles Bates
- KC3YOW, Frank Savery
- KC3YQC, Bryan Benini
- KC3YRA, Alexander Muravya
- KC3YRB, Jason Johnson
- KC3YRC, Ronald Johnson
- KC3YRI, David Stewart
- KC3YRJ, Jennifer Callard
- KC3YRN, Jedediah Coy
Upcoming Events and Contests:
Don’t miss the CQ World Wide WPX Contest, a highlight of the HF contesting calendar, from March 30-31. For those looking for a taste of contesting closer to home, consider participating in Parks on the Air (POTA) events in Georgia and Florida. Also, mark your calendars for the Delaware State QSO Party in May, along with other State QSO Parties this April. 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)
