Chatter

DMR Coming to Des Moines

Apr 16th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

  Digital Mobile Radio is coming to Des Moines.  DMR as it is commonly called is a digital protocol that allows multiple users to connect locally, across the state, nation and worldwide. I am pleased to announce that we are in the process of acquiring a Motorola Mototrbo XTR8300 repeater for the Des Moines area.  The […]



Drake 1/2 Marathon, April 29th, 2017

Apr 9th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter, Polk County ARES Events

The 49th DRAKE ROAD RACES during the 2017 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee will be on Saturday, April 29, 2017, with a start next to Drake Stadium and finish near the Fine Arts Center on Drake’s campus. For the course map, CLICK HERE. The two races include a half marathon starting at 7:30AM and a 5K beginning at […]



Ames Fox Hunt 23rd April, 2017

Apr 7th, 2017 | By | Category: Area Events, Chatter

The Story County Amateur Radio Club is hosting a Fox Hunt, or hidden transmitter hunt, on Sunday, April 23rd in Ames, Iowa. We request all interested hunters assemble in the parking lot west of Hy-Vee Gas, Grand Avenue and Lincoln Way to register with the hunt leader and receive the rules briefing. Hunters may be individuals or teams and […]



Fight for Air Climb Needs Operators

Mar 19th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

The 2017 edition of the American Lung Associations Fight for Air Climb is in need of additional operators.  Typically this event requiers approximately 35 operators.  The event which takes place in four downtown Des Moines high rise buildings lasts about six hours.  This is a great way to sharpen your radio skills. When: April 9th […]



2m “Tape Measure” Yagi Building Workshop April 1

Mar 12th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

If you have been interested in participating in a fox hunt but you don’t have a directional antenna, we have the perfect opportunity for you!   Clint Miller KCØJUO and Paul Cowley KB7VML with the Story County Amateur Radio Club are hosting a 2-meter “Tape Measure” Yagi Building Workshop April 1st in Ames. We will […]



ARES Signup system is up and running

Mar 2nd, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

Good news, we have managed to repair the on-line signup for 2017 Polk County ARES events.  This system allows you to quickly add your name and information to any or all events.  Not so good news is that the system was down for a few weeks before we discovered the issue.  If you had signed […]



ICS-300 ICS-400 classes to be offered on weekends in Des Moines

Feb 21st, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

The Polk County Emergency Management Agency is proud to team up with the Safeguard Iowa Partnership to offer two high-demand training opportunities centered around the Incident Command System (ICS).  We heard from our partners that they needed offerings during non-traditional work hours for volunteers and off-shift personnel to attend.  The upcoming ICS 300 and 400 […]



2017 Winter RF Fest, February 25th, 2017

Feb 15th, 2017 | By | Category: Archive, Chatter

Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club presents the 2017 Winter RF Fest. The 9th annual Winter RF FEST will be held at the Perry National Guard Armory 2920 Willis Avenue, Perry, IA. Date February 25 8:00 until noon.   There will be seminars including ARRL.  And at least one other seminar. VE testing will be held. QSL […]



National Weather Service Anounces Spotter Training Dates

Feb 13th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

The National Weather Service, Des Moines Forecast Office has announced the Spotter Training dates and locations for 2017.  These trainings provide valuable  education and support to all residents in the local 51 counties served by the Des Moines NWS.  These classes are particularly helpful to the Amateur Radio community in providing the Weather Service with […]



ARRL Entry Level License Committee wants Suggestions

Feb 10th, 2017 | By | Category: Chatter

The ARRL has developed an Entry Level License Committee charged with suggesting changes to the current license system.  These changes could give beginners experience with more bands and modes in an effort to encourage on-air activity, retention, and upgrades. The committee is also looking for ways to increase youth licensing. Please give your input to […]