Welcome!

NEWS

Stay informed about current activities as ARRL HQ.
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter
http://www.arrl.org/ares-letter
https://www.arrl.org/nts-letter

These Letters are a great way to stay informed. You can subscribe to any, and more, at ARRL.ORG.
Sign In to the ARRL home page and then go to
E-Newsletters and Notifications
https://home.arrl.org/action/My-Account/Opt-In-Out

There are lots of other highly informative periodicals: DX, Propagation, Satellite, etc.

Coming Events

Events

New ARRL Virtual Museum

The ARRL has been working on a new Virtual Museum. There is an extensive collection of equipment at HQ, but you have to go there to see it. This new Virtual Museum lets you see not only items in the collection but MANY more items. There are pix of old radios and even some manuals. Have a look: https://www.arrl.org/arrl-museum-and-research-library

A Busy Summer

State ARES Meeting

A number of great events have occurred recently. The state ARES Meeting was held in Ames. Clint KØGR did a great job of getting good speakers and they addressed pertinent topics. A significant emphasis was on the relationship of ARES to EMA and other served agencies. We (ARES) are here to assist the organization or event sponsor. It is very important to set the tone of the relationship early and to ensure that the ARES members understand that relationship. Attendance was about 40 hams with both experienced and new EC’s present. There was even a VERY nice door prize of a new Yaesu HT. It was good to meet lots of new folks. A big thank you to Clint and the other volunteers.

Cedar Rapids Hamfest

The Cedar Rapids Hamfest was held in Central City. The weather was TERRIFIC! (for the first time in memory). I was happy to meet lots of folks at the ARRL table. It was a bit of a blur seeing so many new faces. Lots of nice gear for sale on the tables and out in the fleamarket. The ARRL forum was well attended. The annual repeater council meeting was held with some new changes in leadership. Thank you to all of the folks who contribute to the Iowa Repeater Council. Unfortunately, I was tied up and by the time I could get to the 4H cafe, they were already closed. Hamfests take a lot of work and it helps to have a LOT of volunteers. Setting up tables, manning the entrance gate selling tickets, tear down…
Again, a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers. Your participation make the event and the club successful.

A Significant Honor

I had the honor of making presentations to three clubs who have been recognized for 75 years of ARRL affiliation. Plaques were given to:
* Northeast Iowa ARC WØMG (Waterloo)
* Cedar Valley ARC WØGQ (Cedar Rapids) and the
* Clinton ARC WØCS.
These clubs were formed about the same time I was born! I’m thrilled to see them continuing and hope they will continue to thrive.

Coming events include the QC Hamfest and also the Columbus Junction Hamfest. Look for me at both events. I want to hear from you! Check out the calendar page: Calendar

Field Day 2025

Field Day 2025 is done. Great weather across the state this year. No sweltering heat and no storms. If you have pix from FD, please send them to me and I’ll post some here.

Section Appointments

Elizabeth Cowley KDØKQX is the new Public Information Officer. She is a welcome addition to the section leadership team.

Clint Miller KØGR is the Section Emergency Coordinator. He’s hard at work rebuilding the state ARES organization and contacting existing county EC’s.

Tim Busch NØCKR is the new Club Coordinator. He’s working hard to update the list of clubs and contacts. Ask your club if they have contacted Tim.

David Roberts K9DCR is the new Section Traffic Manager. Dave is very active in NTS and is a great addition to the team.

Dave KØDPL and Bernie KBØL are both appointed Net Managers. Thanks to ALL NTS volunteers for your dedication.

Events

The Des Moines hamfest was a great event. LOTS of equipment, including some classic Collins gear. I know many items found new homes. We had a good turnout for the ARRL Forum. I got to meet lots of folks and representatives of different clubs.

Story County ARC sponsored a POTA gathering a few weeks ago.There’s lots of interest in POTA. It’s a great way to bring activity to your club.

I’ve had the priviliege of presenting the Cedar Valley ARC WØGQ and the Northeast Iowa Amateur Radio Association WØMG with plaques recognizing them with 75 years of ARRL club affiliation. This is an amazing award to two great clubs.Congratulations to all the past and current members of both clubs.

If your club is going to be active on Field Day, be sure to download the guide from ARRL HQ. It is very good at helping you get media attention for your event.


Here are some other sources of information on the Iowa Section:
ARRL Iowa Section Page

New and Improved Iowa ARES – This replaces the old ARES group which has been hijacked by someone no longer an ARES member!
Requires SignIn to Groups.io and joining the group.

Here’s what I had to say about the future in Feb 2025. Things are on track.
I’ll be posting more links here, so check back often!