[PPRAANet] W1AW/0 operations

[John Bloodgood]

Regarding W1AW operations: This is part of the ARRL’s year long Volunteers On The Air event. Each ARRL section will get two different periods to operate as W1AW. Colorado’s first chance is 24 thru 30 May. The sign-ups for the Colorado Section are being coordinated by the Section Manager, Amanda (K1DDN) and Jeff and Wayne mentioned in the original email. This is not something that the club is organizing. If you went to the website that was in the email ( https://w1aw-schedule.web.app/ ) to sign up, the SM will vet your information and get back to you. As K1DDN mentioned in the original email, I would recommend finding someone to team with to help with the logging. You do not have to use the club station, that was just an idea.

As for the status of the club station, I have missed the last two board meetings due to conflicting meetings and the last club meeting due to being sick, so I do not know what the latest status of it is, but there is likely still a lot of work to be done, including construction, putting up antennas, putting in a ground/earthing system, etc. I am not even sure the last time someone opened the trailer to see if there are any leaks in the roof. Temporary antennas could be put up just for this event. A good dipole or multi-element/multi-band dipole should work well.

While I have everyone’s attention, World Amateur Radio Day is also coming up on 18 April. This year the IARU is promoting a two week operating event from 11 thru 25 April. Not sure if the club is interested in doing something for WARD this year. It can also be a great reason to set up public displays to generate interest in ham radio. The club has already expressed interest in a display/presentation for kids on 22 April, which overlaps nicely with WARD.

And of course ARRL Field Day is only 110 days (4 club meetings) away, so that is another thing to add to your calendars.


John Bloodgood, KD0SFY
PIC – Colorado Section, ARRL