Amateur radio news from around Colorado and the broader ham world — new gear, rule changes, contests, and what’s happening on the bands. Curated for the club; every item links to the original source.
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Contesting 101: Build a Better Workbench for Station Troubleshooting
Contester and DX Engineering technical-support specialist Kirk Pickering, K4RO, has published a current installment of Contesting 101 on building a practical workbench and handling basic station troubleshooting. Using a recent lightning-strike repair as context, he argues that operators are better prepared for a contest or field repair when tools, parts, documentation, lighting,…
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Colorado QSO Party Returns September 12
Colorado hams are invited to get on the air for the 2026 Colorado QSO Party on Saturday, September 12. The statewide operating event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. MDT (1400 UTC Saturday through 0359 UTC Sunday). Operators can work one station or chase all 64 Colorado counties using CW, phone,…
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HF Contesting: A Refresher on Propagation Basics
HF contest results often hinge on knowing when a band is likely to support a particular path. In a new OnAllBands Contesting 101 article, contester Kirk Pickering, K4RO, outlines how daylight, ionospheric conditions, skip distance, and maximum usable frequency can help operators decide which bands and directions deserve attention. The article is…
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Young Ham’s WRTC Reflections Offer a Welcome Lesson for Clubs
In a new OnAllBands reflection from the World Radiosport Team Championship, a young amateur describes the mix of excitement and self-doubt that can come with joining a room full of experienced contesters. The central message is reassuring: being new to a group does not mean an operator does not belong there. The…