Bruce Brumm KC0ZMT, of Des Moines, was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association’s Winthrop Mager Award. He was selected by the nomination committee for his activity in Polk County ARES, his role as a board member of the DMRAA, contributed hours for VE testing, and other activities. Most recently, [...]

The 13th Annual Skywarn Recognition Day (SRD) will be held at National Weather Service offices around the nation to celebrate the contributions amateur radio operators make during severe weather. The Des Moines National Weather Service (NWS) office, located at 9607 NW Beaver Drive in Johnston, will be open on Friday, December 2nd from 6 p.m. [...]

Listen for the first discussion of the Extra Class test material on 146.940/340 Sunday, September 18, at 4:00 PM. Someone will open the discussion and act as the discussion leader (undecided just who this will be at this time). This first session will be a trial run to see if this method of study will [...]

Cedar Rapids D-STAR Repeaters online! The Collins Amateur Radio Club now has D-STAR repeaters operating in the Cedar Rapids area: “N0CXX C” on 147.405 MHz with -990 kHz offset; and “N0CXX B” on 442.050 MHx with +5.0 MHz offset. Note the odd split, and two spaces between “N0CXX and C”. These may be linked through [...]

Today, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad declared June 19-25 as Amateur Radio Week in Iowa in a special proclamation signing ceremony at the capitol to celebrate the efforts of radio amateurs across the state and around the nation. The proclamation comes days before amateur radio operators will take to the airwaves around the United States in [...]

The ARRL Midwest Division announced earlier this year of a friendly competition between clubs. We already know that the DMRAA’s membership is the best, but now’s the chance we can prove it. The contest gives points in several categories, but is generally based on the club’s contribution to our hobby. In short, DMRAA members can [...]

Given all the news coverage, there have been rumors circulating that we will not be having the Joplin Hamfest this year, and I have been asked to address the issue before folks make other plans. I have been in contact with the managers of the convention center, as well as some hotels in the area, [...]

The Iowa Ham of the Year is intended to recognize an Iowa ham, who has demonstrated his or her tremendous dedication to Amateur Radio through his or her activities. Requirements Nominees for the Iowa Ham of the Year must meet the following requirements to be considered for this award: A current Iowa resident A licensed Amateur Radio operator [...]

It’s time to mark your calendars and reserve April 21, 2012, for next year’s DMRAA Hamfest. It will be held in the same location as it was this year, in the Elwell Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more details on next year’s hamfest — it’s going to be a great one!

The Hamfest’s growth continues, with more than 400 in attendance of this year’s Hamfest, which was held in a new venue this year. Almost $1,000 in door prizes were given out, and several new hams were minted. Keep an eye on the DMRAA website for more details on next year’s Hamfest!