In July of 1948, Des Moines was besieged by an epidemic of polio, which filled all the hospitals, primarily with children. The Sister Kenny treatment was used involving hot water and wool blanket. The demand for blankets was so great it put them in short order. An appeal was made for donations of wool blankets […]

2012 Iowa QSO Party Date & Time: Saturday October 20, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time. Purpose: Iowa stations contact as many stations as possible regardless of location; Stations outside Iowa are to contact as many Iowa stations as possible in Iowa within the Iowa QSO Party time frame. Modes: Phone (includes […]

Have you ever had a significant other, relative, co-worker, neighbor, or friend wonder what it would be like to immerse themselves in the surging hobby of amateur radio? The Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Des Moines Public Schools Community Education program, offering a Technician licensing class […]

Despite some less-than-preferable weather and some minor glitches, W0AK has had one of the most positive Field Days in recent history. Thanks to everyone that participated, either by providing food or equipment, or manning the radios to make some contacts — we couldn’t have done it without you! More than 50 people stopped by our […]

DES MOINES, Iowa – Today, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad declared June 18-24 as Amateur Radio Week in Iowa to celebrate the efforts of radio amateurs across the state and around the nation. Radio amateurs are known for their resiliency, technical know-how and ability to go “off the grid,” providing critical communication capabilities when traditional means […]

Iowa Section Manager Tom Brehmer N0LOH has announced the three finalists for 2012 Iowa Ham of the Year: Wyatt Dirks, AC0RA, Thomas Reis, N0VPR, and Richard Nelson, W0HHF. The award will be presented at 10:00am at the Des Moines Hamfest on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Elwell Family Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds […]

Each year the ARRL Board of Directors has the opportunity to select recipients for a number of awards in various categories that honor Amateur Radio operators. The nomination period is now open for the ARRL awards that are designed to recognize educational and technological pursuits in Amateur Radio. There is also an award to honor […]

The purpose of the Winthrop Mager Award is to perpetuate the memory of the Rev. Winthrop M. Mager WØMJH, and to stimulate the activity in all fields of amateur radio in the central Iowa area. It is awarded by the Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association. Any radio operator with any class license who is a […]

The Iowa QSO Party is coming up, less than a month away! From the sponsoring club for the QSO Party, the Ottumwa Amateur Radio Club: Date and Time: Saturday October 15, 2011 from 1400Z – 2300Z (9AM – 6PM CDT). Purpose: Iowa stations contact as many stations as possible regardless of location; Stations outside Iowa […]

W0AK had its most successful Field Day since it operated in class 4A in 2004. W0AK brought home 1,448 contacts and numerous multipliers. Despite a rainy start, a lot of new visitors took part in this year’s W0AK Field Day and we had good media exposure. We have a lot of photos up in our […]