Southgate Amateur Radio News
Amateur Radio Daily
16 March 2026
An aggregate of Ham Radio related news.-
Buckingham Army Airfield Special Event W4LX
The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) will be honoring Army Air Force members that trained at Buckingham Army Airfield during World War II. The special event station will be on the air March 17-19 utilizing callsign W4LX.
Our annual Special Event at the Buckingham Field in Lehigh Acres will be March 17th, 18th, and 19th 2026 to commemorate all of the men and women who trained at this facility during World War II, when it was called Buckingham Army Airfield.
Frequencies:
- 28.340
- 21.350
- 14.240
Certificates and QSL cards will be available. See the FMARC website for details.
Source: Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club
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2026 Skywarn Youth Severe Weather Awareness Special Event
Special event station N0A will be on the air March 15-29 promoting Severe Weather Awareness 2026. Sponsored by Skywarn Youth, this event is designed to promote severe weather awareness across the globe.
Look for N0A across multiple HF bands on SSB and FT8.
About Skywarn Youth Net
The Skywarn Youth Net is a weekly Net (or on-air meeting). This Net provides valuable training for young amateur radio operators by helping them learn how to handle on-air traffic, by introducing them to different geographic locations and names here in the United States and throughout the world, and by encouraging awareness about basic weather facts and current and upcoming weather conditions.
The net takes place every Sunday evening at 7:30 PM central time. More information is available on the Skywarn Youth Net website.
Source: Skywarn Youth Net
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RCA and IWCE Announce 2026 Slate of Young Professionals
The Radio Club of America and IWCE are pleased to announce the 2026 slate of Young Professionals. The Young Professionals program celebrates industry professionals 40 years old and younger who have a minimum two years experience in wireless communications. This program offers a unique opportunity to bring together our Young Professionals with senior executives, industry innovators, and distinguished guests from all areas of the wireless industries. This year’s Young Professionals will be feted at a breakfast in their honor during the 2026 IWCE Expo on March 19.
2026 Young Professionals
Precious Fodor
Precious Fodor was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University, where she also commissioned as a U.S. Navy Officer through the NROTC Program, building on a passion for science and technology that began on a FIRST Robotics team at Staten Island Technical High School. She has held multiple leadership roles during overseas deployments as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, leading more than 105 electricians, and engineers in the maintenance and operation of ship-wide communications, radar, and electrical power systems and overseeing 200 Sailors responsible for quality assurance, repair management, navigation, and administrative program. Precious continues to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Currently, Precious serves as the National Service Manager at Eastern Communications Ltd., overseeing a nationwide network of 15 service centers and 80 technicians supporting mission-critical Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems for public safety and government agencies. She is deeply passionate about the engineering and communications industry and its role in protecting and connecting communities, serves on the Radio Club of America Executive Committee as Secretary, and has been actively involved with organizations including the FIRST Robotics Alumni Association, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and New York Veterans Associations, where she mentors
students, supports women in engineering and military careers, and strengthens veteran communities.
Andy Huynh
Andy Huynh is a Telecommunications Systems Engineer in the Interoperable Radio Systems Division of the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department (ISD). He brings extensive experience in wireless and systems engineering, beginning as a Broadcast Engineer for AM/FM radio at iHeartMedia Los Angeles and later as an RF Engineer at Notora (now Centerline Communications), specializing in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Andy transitioned to public service as a Radio Technician at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Network Operations Center before managing projects for low-voltage and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems. In his current role on the Spectrum Management Team, he focuses on interference mitigation and supports mission-critical public safety communications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology from Cal Poly Pomona and is a licensed amateur radio operator (KA6NDY).
Max Johnson
Max Johnson is an Electrical Engineer at Dark Wolf Ventures, a Colorado-based firm specializing in advanced radio and satellite communications systems for military, national security, law enforcement, and first-responder missions. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines with an emphasis in Information and Systems Sciences. At Dark Wolf Ventures, Max works with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, integrate, and validate communication-centric electronic systems. His core responsibilities include schematic capture, PCB design and layout, and embedded firmware development. He develops robust hardware and low-level software that operates reliably in demanding RF and satellite communications environments, ensuring seamless interaction between complex electronic subsystems.
Sean Martin
Sean is a sales professional in the Aerospace and Defense Industry; joining VIAVI Solutions, Inc in 2023. Sean solves customer test & measurement challenges with solutions in the RF, LMR, Avionics, Fiber & Ethernet markets within Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He is an Ohio University College of Business Graduate with a BBA in Management Information Systems and Certificate in Strategic/Technical Selling. Sean also earned a Post-graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Purdue University.
Chris Vargas
I have spent the last ten years working in sales, beginning in retail clothing, then transitioning into consumer electronics, and eventually moving into inside sales. Throughout that journey, I’ve grown not only as a salesperson, but also in how deeply I value the products I represent and the people I work with. I’ve been with Icom for about a year and a half now. Before joining the company, I had little to no experience in radio communications. One thing I take great pride in, however, is fully immersing myself in the products I represent. I believe that if you are going to stand
behind a product, you should truly understand it—inside and out. Over time, I’ve gone from knowing virtually nothing about radio communications to being able to confidently discuss and recommend communication solutions that best fit the needs of customers looking to upgrade or implement new systems. While I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, I also recognize that my time in this industry is only just beginning. The more I learn, the more fascinated I become with communication technology, and I’m excited for the growth and opportunities that lie ahead. Although I’m not physically at IWCE this year to receive this award, I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the IWCE/RCA Young Professional Award.
About RCA
Founded in 1909, the Radio Club of America is the oldest, most prestigious group of wireless communications professionals in the world. Members are dedicated to the wireless art and science for the betterment of society. The Radio Club of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.radioclubofamerica.org.About IWCE
International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2026 is the definitive critical communications event, uniting the complete ecosystem—from 911 centers to enterprise security—to accelerate mission-critical technology deployments.Source: Radio Club of America
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DXtra FCC Radio Database and Reverse Beacon Network Explorer
The following is an announcement from DXtra:
Here at DXtra we have developed a new free to use radio portal with a variety of frequency databases and visualization tools. We have computed Longley-Rice coverage maps for the entire US, Canada, UK and European fleets of FM stations (~50,000 stations). Also we have computed VOACAP coverage maps for most of the world's HF (shortwave circuits).
In addition we have a dedicated Reverse Beacon Network page at https://dxtra.com/sw/beacons
Source: DXtra
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2026 Hamvention Award Winners Announced
The following is a press release from the Hamvention Awards Committee:
The 2026 Awards team is pleased to announce the Hamvention Award Winners. It is always difficult to make our final decisions as we receive many excellent nominations. Please join us in congratulating these very deserving winners.
Michael Kalter
W8CI Award Chairman 2026Technical Achievement Award Robert Famiglio K3RF
Robert B. “Bob” Famiglio, K3RF, has spent almost 60 years in amateur radio, blending technical expertise, legal knowledge, and leadership in emergency communications. Licensed at 13, Bob earned a BSE in electrical engineering and a doctorate in law, now admitted to practice in several states and before federal courts and agencies while working in the technology sector. For more than 40 years he has served as Volunteer Counsel, advising hams on PRB 1 matters, zoning, and antenna ordinances, RFI enforcement, and club governance; his technical understanding of station engineering and interference resolution has informed effective legal strategies and regulatory comments.
Elected to ARRL leadership for multiple terms (EPA Section Manager, Atlantic Division Vice Director, and later Director), he championed member rights, transparency, and representative governance. Previously, Bob served several terms as Vice President & General Counsel of the Radio Club of America and functioned as corporate counsel for the board.
In emergency communications he served as ARES District Emergency Coordinator for Greater Philadelphia, supporting regional response agencies applying technical expertise, message handling, and interoperability between amateur and public safety systems; his formal training as a professional firefighter enhances his ability to align ham radio technology with operational needs of served agencies.
A long-time mentor, Bob supports on-air training nets and club programs stressing technical competence, regulatory literacy, and readiness for public service. He believes that amateur radio’s core value lies in the skills, service, and technical capability of operators, not merely spectrum access, and he has worked to translate complex technical issues—spectrum coexistence, interference mitigation, and regulatory compliance—into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers. Bob’s blend of engineering, legal acumen, and emergency response experience has encouraged continuous training, lowered barriers to participation, and inspired new generations of ham radio operators.
Amateur of the Year Award Dr. Jose “Otis” Vicens NP4G
First licensed at the age of sixteen, Otis, known to friends and fellow operators on the air as NP4G, developed a passion for amateur radio. Born and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico, he is the only amateur radio operator in his family.
Otis later moved to the United States to study Biology at Purdue University, where he became active with the W9YB Amateur Radio Club. One of his early memories of service through amateur radio was in 1998, when he helped provide communications support in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Georges. In Puerto Rico he graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. He then completed a specialty program in Pediatric Dentistry at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. In 2008, Otis returned to his hometown of Humacao to begin practicing orthodontics.
Early in his ham career Otis attended the DX Forum at Dayton Hamvention, where presentations on major DXpeditions inspired him to someday be a part of future adventures. He has now participated in many DXpeditions from all over the world including the very rare Bouvet Island (3Y).
Otis is very active in Puerto Rico ham radio. He is Past President of the Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL) in 2012 and during the 2017 Puerto Rico hurricane disasters NP4G helped coordinate amateur radio emergency communications across eastern Puerto Rico following Hurricane Georges.
NP4G is now President of the International DX Association (INDEXA) and most recently was part of the all KP4 team to activate the very rare Desecheo Island with amazing technology as KP5/NP3VI.
Special Achievement Award Martha Fell N3QBE and Joe Fell W3GMS
Martha and Joe Fell’s journey began in 1966 when Joe earned his Novice license (WN3GMS) at the age of fourteen. Shortly thereafter, he met Harry I. Davis, W3FDY (SK), who mentored him for four years. Harry taught him to think critically, design circuits, and execute projects with precision. His guidance was life-changing, and Joe pledged to honor his request to give back to others just as Harry had done for him.
To fulfill this promise, Joe chose to retire at age 56, following a 34-year corporate career and the successful launch of his own company. The success of this mission is thanks to his wife, Martha, whose dedication to overseeing administration and logistics has greatly benefited their students.
Their program’s reach has grown significantly over the decades. In 1976, Joe designed and built a repeater for his mentor’s radio site which remains operational 50 years later, serving a group of approximately eighty-five operators. Their weekly technical net has become a primary resource for both new and seasoned amateurs, including many professional electrical engineers.
Today, they mentor students of all ages and interests. While their first student is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering at MIT, their youngest started at just eight years old.
Club of the Year Long Island CW Club
Long Island CW Club (LICW) is an online Morse code training community built to help everyday hams become confident and proficient CW operators. We combine high standards with a welcoming culture: we teach real operating skills, we treat people with respect, and we keep learning for fun. LICW offers structured classes from beginner through advanced, a wide range of topical forums, and practice resources that help students move from “copying characters” to true conversational flow. Our instructors are volunteers who remember what it felt like to be new, and who coach students through plateaus with clear, effective teaching methods, encouragement, and accountability. LICW is also proud to be a diverse community, with strong participation and leadership across generations - including more than four hundred women who serve as instructors and club leaders - along with programs that support youth and hams with disabilities. LICW is a community - people who show up for each other, celebrate progress, and share the joy of CW on the air.
Source: Hamvention
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K9 Veterans Day Activation Honors Military Dogs
The following is a message from the Dog Day Amateur Radio Club:
The Dog Day Radio Amateur Radio Club, K0DOG, best known for participation in International Dog Day each August, will be calling CQ in tribute to dogs who have supported members of the military over the years.
Starting at 0000 UTC March 12 through to 2359 UTC March 13, hams will be active on the HF bands using CW and SSB, commemorating K9 Veterans Day.
The late Joe White, a Vietnam veteran and K9 handler, popularized March 13th as K9 Veterans Day because the date marks the start of dogs’ formal military training in the US in 1942 through the formation of the K9 Corps, or the War Dogs Program of the US Army.
This amateur radio activation is a tribute to all dogs throughout history who have served – wherever they have served.
Learn more about hero dogs and how to be a part of this special celebration by visiting the QRZ.com bio page for K0DOG.
Source: Dog Day Radio Amateur Radio Club
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RaDAR Rally 2026 Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2026 RaDAR Rally event. RaDAR is Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio, an event in which ham radio operators deploy into the field, make five contacts, then redeploy again all within a 4 hour window.
See the RaDAR Rally info page for registration details. The event takes place April 4th with registrations accepted through April 3rd. An intro video and roster are also available.
Source: RaDAR Rally
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Students on the Air Satellite Activity Day StOTA
AMSAT recently announced Students On The Air (StOTA) Days in which students are invited to get on the air and work satellites the first and third Tuesday of each month.
The activity was inspired by AMSAT President Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, and his son Carsten, KQ4SJM, and is designed to promote regular on-air activity among licensed student operators.
All operators are encouraged to participate. More information is available on the AMSAT Discord server.
Source: AMSAT UK
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Amateur Radio Newsletter Round-up for March 2026
The March issue of SWR Magazine:
- HamCation
- J-Pole for 6 and 10 meters
- Female Frequency
The SARC Communicator March-April 2026:
- Hidden features in the Icom IC-7300 transceiver
- Add Digital Television to Your ARES Tool Kit
- When an app outlives its creator
- Bluetooth hands free ops
- Reducing mains borne interference
- FreeDV
- Impressions of ARRL's New Digital Networking for Ham Radio Book
- New Amateur Radio Organization - Alliance Amateur Radio Society
- 2026 Hamcation AMSAT Forum | Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA President's Update
- Seasonal propagation and an online propagation chart that updates every 15 minutes
- An exciting new BTECH DA-7X2 DMR/Analog Dual-Receive HT with a secret
- Looking inside a SHARI Node
Source: Amateur Radio Daily
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Inovato, N0LSR Design Endorse Open HamClock Backend Public Server
Editor's Note: Amateur Radio Daily is a contributor to the Open HamClock Backend project and recommends their public server. Amateur Radio Daily headlines have appeared on HamClock since 2023.
Open HamClock Backend (OHB) is now providing a central server for any HamClock user to use with their existing HamClock application. With the original HamClock application scheduled to be sunset in June, the central server provided by OHB will extend the life of existing HamClock installations indefinitely. Previously, OHB users were required to host the server locally. This update allows any HamClock user to utilize OHB's central server through a small configuration change.
When the creator of HamClock became a silent key earlier this year, the HamClock project was expected to be sunset in June 2026. While the HamClock application is open source, the backend server that powers many HamClock features was closed. OHB provides a replacement for that backend service.
Open HamClock Backend (OHB) is a community project by a team of developers with Brian Wilkins (KO4AQF) as the main contributor. It is fully open source, and it runs on servers in a commercial data center. Another example of what the ham radio community is capable of. The hosting in the data center is donated. This provides very high availability with no costs for anyone.
With the stability of the OHB project making its way to a centralized public server, Inovato and N9LSR Design recently announced that they would endorse OHB for their HamClock appliances.
Source: N0LSR Design
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futureGEO Continues to be a Topic of Discussion
It's been several months since we've heard movement regarding the futureGEO project, but events scheduled in 2026 appear to be keeping the geostationary satellite project top of mind among the amateur radio community.
A presentation by AMSAT President Drew Glasbrenner (KO4MA) at HamCation 2026 spoke to the value a project like futureGEO could bring to the Americas along with his desire to see such a project succeed. Glasbrenner touched on the financial requirements of a GEO satellite project while at the same time recognized organizations such as ARDC that have publicly expressed a desire to help fund a GEO satellite project. The roughly 6 minute segment can be viewed on YouTube.
At AMSAT-DL's Bochum Space Day in March, Frank Zeppenfeldt (PD0AP) of the European Space Agency (ESA) is scheduled to give a presentation focused on futureGEO. Details are unknown, but it could mirror similar lectures given by Zeppenfeldt in the past.
The same AMSAT-DL post about Bochum Space Day happened to communicate a futureGEO community workshop to be scheduled as part of HAM RADIO 2026. This workshop will be tapping into GEO satellite QO-100 users to help provide direction for futureGEO.
A futureGEO community workshop will take place at HAM RADIO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, to which all QO-100 users are cordially invited. This event offers ideal preparation for the QO100 user meeting on the same evening. At the same time, we want to use the expertise of all participants to successfully further develop the futureGEO project on behalf of ESA.
Source: Amateur Radio Daily
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Bochum Space Day to Feature Live Contact with Antarctica
AMSAT-DL is hosting Bochum Space Day to coincide with Germany's Space Day and Day of Astronomy. The event will feature a series of events including lectures, futureGEO, and a live school contact with Neumayer Station III in Antarctica (DP0GVN).
At the same time, an ESERO family day will take place on this day from 11 am to 5 pm in and around the radome of Bochum Observatory under the motto “Adventure Space”: Fun & interesting facts for young and old await visitors; they can embark on a journey of discovery and immerse themselves in the world of astronomy and space travel.
Visit the AMSAT-DL website for a full schedule and overview.
Source: AMSAT-DL
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RAC Names Recipients of Amateur of the Year Award 2025
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) announced the recipients of the Amateur of the Year Award for 2025. This year's honorees, Fred (VE1FA) and Helen (VA1YL) Archibald, are recognized for their years of dedication to the amateur radio community.
Fred and Helen Archibald have been pillars of Amateur Radio in Canada for decades. While the award traditionally reflects contributions within a given year, their sustained excellence in 2025 – combined with a lifetime of service – made them compelling joint recipients.
In addition to being avid organizers of many DXpeditions, VE1FA is an instructor and technological innovator and VA1YL has served as President of the Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association. Learn more about Fred and Helen's contributions to ham radio on the RAC website.
Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada
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Community HamClock Backend Server Now Available
Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article, Amateur Radio Daily has become a contributor to the Open HamClock Backend project and recommends their public server. Amateur Radio Daily headlines have appeared on HamClock since 2023.
In addition, hamclock.com has established a trustee agreement with PSKReporter.info maintainer Philip Gladstone.
The first known community backend server for HamClock is now available for all HamClock users. The project, hamclock.com, is free for anyone to use and will keep existing HamClock installs running indefinitely.
Major work beyond OHB includes: rewriting the VOACAP propagation engine with cubic interpolation, building weather pressure maps in both millibar and inHg units at five resolutions, adding aurora map generation, real-time PSK Reporter spot data, Kp index from NOAA SWPC, overhauling satellite TLE tracking, and hardening the entire server for production use serving 1,600+ HamClocks.
With the passing of HamClock creator Elwood Downey (WB0OEW), HamClock will stop working in June unless users point their installations to a new backend service. Updating existing HamClock installations is a simple task. Users have two options, updating their hosts file, or updating the command used to start HamClock. Both require only simple text changes.
Hamclock.com is run by Bruce Edrich (W4BAE) and is built upon open-hamclock-backend.
Source: HamClock.com
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Southeastern VHF Society 2026 Conference Registration is Open
Registration is now open for the Southeastern VHF Society 2026 conference. The event will take place in Macon, Georgia, US April 17-19. The conference is focused on amateur radio operation on VHF frequencies and above.
The technical conference begins Friday morning and will include a Luncheon with a guest speaker and continue Technical Presentations in the afternoon, with dinner out on the town, and continue with an evening flea market and hospitality suite. Saturday morning the technical presentations continue and conclude early afternoon when the antenna range and Rover display opens.
Interested amateurs can register here.
Source: Southeastern VHF Society
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Titanic Memorial Special Event Honors Telegraph Operators
The Titanic Memorial special event, EG1912T, takes place April 10th through April 15th honoring all on board the ship.
We particularly wish to honour those who participated in the rescue, especially the radio station managers and telegraph operators Jack Phillips, Harold Bride and Harold Cottam, who played a leading role in the telegraphic communications of the most shocking rescue in history: the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
The event will take place on all bands utilizing all modes with an emphasis on CW. QSL cards will be available via bureau. More information is available on the EG1912T QRZ page.
Source: EG1912T
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DXLook.com Launches New Composite Views to Compare Real-World Contacts with Propagation Predictions
February 20, 2026 — DXLook.com has released two new composite map views designed to help amateur radio operators compare actual on-air results with propagation expectations in one place. The update adds Reports + MUF and Reports + VOACAP, allowing operators to see where signals are being reported versus where models suggest they should propagate—without switching between separate tools or screens.
New Composite Views
Reports + MUF
This view overlays real contact reports (solid arcs) on top of MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) zones. The colored zones represent the highest usable band by direction, helping operators quickly confirm whether contacts align with expected openings and identify unusual paths such as grey-line effects, sporadic-E, or long-path propagation.Reports + VOACAP
This view overlays real contact reports (solid lines) with VOACAP theoretical predictions (dashed, semi-transparent arcs). It provides a direct side-by-side visual comparison between model-based expectations and real-world activity, making it easier to spot agreement, gaps, and surprises.How to Access
Operators can try the new views by visiting dxlook.com, selecting Reports + MUF or Reports + VOACAP from the View dropdown, then entering a callsign or grid square and clicking Go.Update Details
- The MUF/VOACAP prediction backdrop refreshes every 5 minutes independently
- Reports refresh based on the selected time window (1 minute to 24 hours)
- Existing Reports features remain available, including filters for band/mode/direction, marker options, and the spot table
DXLook.com is free to use, requires no login, and aggregates data from PSK Reporter, Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), WSPRnet, and DX Cluster, supporting bands from 160m through 2m.
About DXLook.com
DXLook.com is a web-based platform that combines reception reports and propagation-focused views to help amateur radio operators monitor activity, understand band conditions, and explore propagation patterns in real time.Source: DXLook
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Zero Retries Digital Conference 2026 Announced
Zero Retries Digital Conference (ZRDC) will return for a second year on Friday, October 16, 2026. This year's conference will take place in Sam Ramon, California, USA at the Roundhouse Conference Center. Pacificon 2026 will take place the same weekend in the same city, just down the street from ZRDC.
An informal visit to the Computer History Museum will take place the Thursday before ZRDC 2026. (Editor's note: A visit to CHM is worth arriving early!)
Keep an eye on the ZRDC 2026 website for more details.
Source: Zero Retries Digital Conference
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Honolulu Department of Emergency Management is Recruiting: Volunteer Amateur Radio Operators
The following is a message from Honolulu Department of Emergency Management:
When emergencies disrupt normal communications, RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services) provides trained, licensed ham radio volunteers to keep information moving between the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and field sites.
What you’ll do:
- Pass emergency traffic between the EOC and field sites (we will teach you Winlink and other modes).
- Share reports to support situational awareness.
- Train and participate in exercises to test backup communications.
Minimum qualifications:
- Amateur radio operator license (required).
- Permanent U.S. resident, 18+.
- Able to pass a federal fingerprint background check.
Apply here:
https://veoci.com/v/p/191705/workflow/7pgrj5u5q833If you’re a licensed amateur radio operator on Oʻahu and want your skills to matter when it counts, this is a direct way to serve your community.
Please feel free to share with anyone who may be interested. I welcome any questions or feedback.
Michael C. Miller, KH6ML
Deputy Coordinator
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES)
Department of Emergency Management - City and County of HonoluluAssistant Section Manager, Pacific Section
ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio® -
Amateur Radio Active at the Honolulu EOC During Severe Weather Activation
The following is a message from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management:
February 8–9, 2026 | Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
On February 8–9, 2026, severe weather brought high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, power outages, and hazardous surf conditions across Honolulu and the State of Hawaiʻi. Both Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued emergency proclamations to mobilize resources and protect public safety.
Amateur radio operators were activated inside the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in support of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), City and County of Honolulu. Volunteer communicators reported in and stood ready to provide backup communications should cellular or internet systems fail.
During the activation, we:
- Participated in county and statewide briefings with Governor Josh Green and Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) leadership.
- Joined statewide HF nets at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on 7.090 MHz (LSB).
- Updated and posted the ICS-205 Communications Plan on HawaiiARES.net for download and offline reference.
- Logged activity in the ICS-214 Unit Log.
- Operated at KH6OCD on HF and VHF/UHF voice, monitored repeaters, and utilized Winlink radio email on HF and VHF FM.
Radio traffic remained light as outages were quickly addressed through coordinated efforts between city and state agencies and utility partners. Shelters and volunteers remained ready in case conditions worsened.
Personnel Participation
At the EOC: AH6WN, KH6LT, KH6ML, KH7HO, WH6HCV, WH6HEZ, WH7Y.
Field and statewide support: AH6CP, KH6C, KH6LY, KH7FV, KH7O, WH7GG, WH7PD, Kaneohe CERT, Kailua CERT, and ARES members statewide.
Emergency Management Reserve Corps (EMRC)
The Emergency Management Reserve Corps (EMRC) supports the community through trained volunteers who serve either in field operations across Oʻahu or as amateur radio communicators under RACES. Most RACES members are also active in ARES, strengthening coordination between county and statewide response efforts. Interested operators on Oʻahu can apply here: https://veoci.com/v/p/191705/workflow/7pgrj5u5q833
“It was encouraging to work alongside such engaged and supportive leadership from the Department. Dr. Randal Collins, Director, and Jennifer Walter, Deputy Director, along with Douglas Tom and Jeff Spencer, clearly understand how amateur radio strengthens resiliency and provides independent communications capability. Their awareness of our role in a larger grey or black sky event ensures RACES remains fully integrated into emergency operations.”
— Michael Miller, KH6ML Deputy Coordinator, RACES Program
Operations and Coordination
Mark Kaku, KH6LT, coordinated amateur radio operations inside the EOC, ensuring continuous coverage throughout the activation.
“Our goal is simple—be ready before we’re needed. We focus on coverage, documentation, and coordination so that if primary systems fail, we can immediately step in.”
— Mark Kaku, KH6LT Coordinator, RACES ProgramPrepared and Ready
Systems were tested, nets were active, and documentation was completed. The activation reinforced the value of having trained, infrastructure-independent amateur radio communicators embedded within emergency management operations.
Mahalo to all who staffed the EOC and supported from across the islands.
Prepared by:
Michael C. Miller, KH6ML
Deputy Coordinator
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES)
Department of Emergency Management – City and County of HonoluluAssistant Section Manager, Pacific Section
ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio®