Amatuer Radio

Shine at ARRL Field Day 2025 with W2RRC – Start Now from Your QTH!

W2RRC · May 15, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Hey White River Radio & Communications (W2RRC) crew! ARRL Field Day 2025 is just around the corner, and whether we’re gathering for an official club event or not, YOU can still make this an unforgettable ham radio adventure! This year’s Field Day is set for June 28–29, 2025, kicking off at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC) on Saturday and wrapping up at 4:59 PM EDT (2059 UTC) on Sunday. It’s the fourth full weekend of June, as always, and it’s your chance to join thousands of hams across the globe in the ultimate test of skill, preparedness, and camaraderie.

We know things are a bit up in the air this year. George (AG5CC), shared in our Facebook group that personal medical challenges will limit his ability to help organize a big W2RRC Field Day event. But here’s the exciting part: Field Day isn’t just about one big gathering—it’s about the spirit of amateur radio, and that spirit lives in every one of you! Whether you’re operating from your home shack, a mobile setup, or stepping up to host an official W2RRC Field Day event, you can contribute to our club’s legacy and rack up points for the White River Radio & Communications aggregate score. Let’s dive into how you can make it happen, why it’s worth it, and how to get everyone involved!

Why Field Day 2025 is a Can’t-Miss Opportunity

Field Day is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of what makes ham radio special. It’s about pushing your skills to the limit, operating in less-than-ideal conditions, and showing the world what amateur radio can do. You’ll work stations on bands from 160 meters to VHF/UHF, rack up QSOs, and maybe even spark a new ham’s passion by inviting a neighbor to check out your setup. Plus, every contact you make can help boost W2RRC’s score, even if you’re operating solo from your QTH!

This year, we’re calling on YOU—our amazing members—to keep the W2RRC flag flying high. Whether we have an official club event or not, your individual efforts will add up to a collective win for our club. And if you’re feeling the Field Day fever, why not take the lead and organize an official event using the W2RRC callsign? Let’s make some noise on the airwaves!

How to Participate from Your Own QTH
(Class D or E)

You don’t need a big club event to join the Field Day fun! You can operate from your home station as a Class D (using commercial power) or Class E (using emergency power, like batteries or solar) and still contribute to W2RRC’s aggregate score. Here’s how it works:

Set Up Your Station: Fire up your rig at home—whether it’s a full-blown shack or a simple portable setup. Class D stations use commercial power (up to 100 watts PEP), while Class- E stations use emergency power for extra bragging rights (and a shot at bonus points!).
Use Your Own Callsign: Operate under your personal callsign. You’ll exchange your operating class and ARRL/RAC section (e.g., “2D AR” for a Class D station in Arkansas). No need to use the W2RRC callsign unless you’re part of an official club event.
Log Your QSOs: Work as many stations as possible on Phone, CW, or Digital modes across the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meter HF bands, plus 50 MHz and above. Each contact counts: Phone QSOs earn 1 point, while CW and Digital QSOs earn 2 points each.
Claim Bonus Points: Boost your score with bonuses like operating 100% on emergency power (100 points per transmitter, up to 2,000 points), getting media publicity (100 points), or copying the W1AW Field Day bulletin (100 points). Check the ARRL Field Day 2025 Rules for the full list.
Submit Your Log with White River Radio & Communications as Your Club: When you submit your entry to ARRL (by July 29, 2025), include “White River Radio & Communications” as your club affiliation. You can submit via the ARRL web app at field-day.arrl.org/fdentry.php. Your individual score will be listed, and your QSO points will also count toward White River Radio & Communications aggregate club score.
Share Your Story: Post about your Field Day setup, QSOs, or fun moments in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. Let’s inspire each other! Bonus: Promoting Field Day on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) can earn 100 bonus points for club-organized groups.

Spelling matters, submit it exactly as shown below:

White River Radio & Communications

The beauty of this approach? Every member can participate, no matter where you are or what gear you have. Your 5-watt QRP setup in the backyard? It counts. Your 100-watt home station? It counts. Even if you only make a handful of contacts, you’re helping W2RRC shine in the national rankings!

Hosting an Official W2RRC Field Day Event? Let’s Do This!

If you’re feeling inspired, why not step up and organize an official Field Day event using the W2RRC callsign? George’s Facebook group post reminded us that W2RRC thrives because members like you make things happen. Whether it’s a portable setup in a park (Class A), a battery-powered operation (Class A-Battery), or an Emergency Operations Center activation (Class F), hosting an event is a chance to bring our community together and show off amateur radio to the public.

W2RRC thrives because members like you make things happen.
AG5CC

Here’s how to make it happen:

Pick a Location: Choose a public spot like a park, school, or community center to qualify for the 100-point Public Location bonus. Set up antennas and gear within a 1,000-foot circle, as per the rules.
Operate as Class A or F: Use the W2RRC callsign and operate as a club portable station (Class A) or at an EOC (Class F). You can have multiple transmitters (e.g., 3A for three simultaneous signals) and even add a Get On The Air (GOTA) station to let new or inactive hams join the fun (limited to 100 watts, or 5 watts if claiming the QRP multiplier).
Invite the Public: Set up a Public Information Table (100 bonus points) and welcome visitors. Invite local media (100 bonus points) or an elected official (100 bonus points) to boost your score and spread the word about ham radio.
Recruit Helpers: Post in our Facebook group to rally members. As George said, “If you want to do something… just decide to do it and folks will step up to help.” Wayne (KB9ELS) might be tied up with family, but others might jump in!
Submit as W2RRC: Submit the club’s entry under the W2RRC callsign, including the club name for the aggregate score.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to George (AG5CC) or other club members for tips, or check out last year’s Field Day photos for inspiration: Field Day 2024 Gallery. Hosting an event is a chance to create memories, mentor new hams, and put W2RRC on the map!

Why It Matters: The W2RRC Spirit

Field Day is about more than points—it’s about the W2RRC community. Whether you’re operating solo from your QTH or leading a club event, you’re part of something bigger. Every QSO you log adds to our club’s story, and every visitor you inspire could be the next W2RRC member. As George put it, “That’s always been the core spirit of our group.” Let’s keep that momentum going, even if this year looks a little different.

Plus, your efforts today are paving the way for future events—like George’s “special plans” for Winter Field Day 2026. Let’s make Field Day 2025 a warm-up for an even bigger 2026!

Get Started Now!

Ready to make Field Day 2025 epic? Here’s your action plan:

Mark Your Calendar: June 28–29, 2025, from 2:00 PM EDT Saturday to 4:59 PM EDT Sunday.
Plan Your Station: Decide if you’ll operate Class D, Class E, or join a club event. Test your gear and antennas now!
Spread the Word: Post in our Facebook group if you want to host or join an official W2RRC event. Let’s get the ideas flowing!
Review the Rules: Dive into the ARRL Field Day 2025 Rules for details on scoring, bonuses, and submission. Need more info? Email fdinfo@arrl.org or call (860) 594-0232.
Submit logs by July 29: Use the ARRL web app, email, or mail to submit your entry, and don’t forget to list “White River Radio & Communications” as your club.

Let’s make ARRL Field Day 2025 a blast, whether we’re scattered across our QTHs or gathered under the W2RRC banner. Grab your mic, key, or laptop, and let’s light up the bands together. Who’s in? Drop your plans in the comments or our Facebook group—we can’t wait to hear from you!

73,
The White River Radio & Communications Team
#W2RRC #FieldDay2025 #HamRadio

A Heartfelt Magic Christmas Story With W2RRC!

W2RRC · December 24, 2024 · Leave a Comment

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and across the ham bands,
Not a signal was stirring in all of the lands.
The members of W2RRC tuned in with care,
Hoping St. Ham-ta Claus soon would be there.

The radios hummed with a faint static tone,
When a booming CQ came through, clear and alone.
“Ho ho ho, this is Santa! QRZ?”
And the group jumped to answer, their faces all red!

Alex Claxton (N5ALC) was the first on the mic,
“Santa, you’re booming, your signal’s a spike!”
“Thank you,” Santa said, “I’m glad you’re here,
I’ve got gifts in my sleigh for all to cheer!”

Nathan Tanksley (KI5EDP) chimed in with cheer,
“This is a QSO we’ll remember all year!
Santa, what treasures are packed in your sleigh?
Perhaps some dipoles or coax on the way?”

“Indeed!” said Santa, “I’ve packed plenty of gear,
To bring Christmas spirit and good cheer this year.
For Amee Tanksley (KI5ORQ), a notebook to log with ease,
And for Brad Apple (AI5HM), a harmonica tuned to radio frequencies!”

Charles McKenzie (KF5TL) was next on the air,
“What’s my gift, Santa? Please do share!”
“For you,” said Santa, “a 3 phase power supply,
And Debbie McKenzie (KI5QQG), an antenna that reaches the sky!”

David Norris (K5UZ) and John Godfrey (KE5NZY) chimed in,
“Santa, our stations could use a win!”
“For John, a tuner, for David, a mast,
And Ed Swartz (K8UFK), an amp built to last!”

Edward Jones (K5EJ) and Randy Wade (AF5RW) gave a shout,
Santa laughed, “I’ve got something for you without a doubt!
For Edward, a new transceiver so fine,
And for Randy, a guitar with a built-in CW chime!”

Nicholas Bacon (KI5QQH) and Ithyca Bacon (KI5QOS) joined the air with flair,
“Santa, do you have something special to share?”
“For Nicholas, a powerful signal booster to shine,
And for Ithyca, a sleek new headset, top-of-the-line!”

Chris Lowe (N5CRL) and Leann Lowe (K5LPL) spoke next,
“Santa, we’ve been good this year, no contest!”
“To Chris, an analyzer for your antenna array,
And Leann, a versatile antenna for any outdoor play!”

John Johnson (KF5JJ) and Barry Wilkes (NI5C) jumped in the fray,
“Santa, we’ve been listening—what do you say?”
“For John, a rugged handheld for when you’re on the move,
And for Barry, a signal enhancer for perfect audio groove!”

Glendal Floyd (W5WEC) was thrilled to reply,
While Noel Seeley (K5NES) waved from nearby.
“Santa, this is amazing, a gift for each ham!”
“That’s right,” said Santa, “I’m a big radio fan!”

Genice Berry (KI5GRX) and Wayne Berry (KB9ELS) joined in the cheer,
While George Cavaness (AG5CC) and Sheri Cavaness (AB5SC) wrapped up the year.
“For Genice, a preamp to catch weak calls,
And for Wayne, a tower that never falls!”

As Santa’s signal began to fade into the night,
He paused to send one more message so bright:

“To all the hams of W2RRC, whose names I didn’t say,
You’re the heart❤️ of this group in every way!
Whether you’re working the bands or running a net,
Your contributions are ones I’ll never forget.
So here’s to the crew, from seasoned pros to the new,
Merry Christmas to all, and 73 to you!”

And with that final QSO, Santa signed off,
Leaving W2RRC warm and their spirits aloft.
This Christmas would be one they’d never outgrow,
A reminder that hams are a family, you know.

🎄 Merry Christmas from W2RRC! 🎅

W2RRC Meet and Greet POTA Event – October 2024

W2RRC · October 20, 2024 · 1 Comment

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the White River Radio & Communications group (W2RRC) held our fourth Meet & Greet & Parks on the Air (POTA) event at Jacksonport State Park. This year was extra special as it marked one of our first major activations under our new group callsign, W2RRC.

A Perfect Setting: Jacksonport State Park

Jacksonport proved to be the perfect setting for the event. With its rich history, beautiful riverfront, and well-maintained facilities, the park offered the ideal combination of scenery and convenience for welcoming both amateur radio operators and the public. Events like this are a reminder of how fortunate we are to have Arkansas State Parks preserving places like Jacksonport — where history, nature, and community come together.

Community, History, and Radio

George (AG5CC), Ruger, Nathan (KI5EDP), and John (KF5JJ) arrived early to set up equipment and get ready for the day’s contacts. Soon after, friends and fellow operators began to gather — from locals like Billy (KI5LPJ) who camped at the park’s campground, to visitors from across the region.

We were pleased to have Mark Ballard, Jacksonport’s Superintendent, join us for a while. He even took some pictures and mentioned that he would include a note about Parks on the Air and the White River Radio Group in his report. Mark was very kind and helpful, giving us his card and letting us know to call him anytime if we needed anything. His encouragement highlights just how well Arkansas State Parks embraces community-focused events like ours

A little before 10 a.m., folks began gathering. Billy (KI5LPJ) was the first to arrive, having camped at the Jackson Port Campground. Jesse (KJ5CAC), aka as YouTuber “Three Little Goats Homestead,” joined us and helped log some contacts. We also had Bill (K5OGR) and Jeff (W5SNG) join us, with Bill doing us a favor by activating the park using W2RRC on CW – thanks, Bill! Wayne (KB9ELS) SugarBear, himself came out, as did Emma and Genice (KI5GRX) and her friend Martha.

Chris (N5CRL) and Leanne (K5LPL) also attended. Chris is our net manager for all White River Radio W2RRC nets, the Happy Hams Net along with his 11-meter CB nets. We’re pretty sure he runs about a million nets a week!

Sheri (AB5SC) brought a big pot of beans and cornbread, which everyone enjoyed. and Nathan grilled hotdogs. Noel (K5NES) and Sherry dropped by with Sherry trying her luck fishing on the White River and Noel fishing for a new radio. We were also graced with the presence of the one and only John Godfrey (KE5NZY) and Alice Godfrey (KE5NZZ).

Ask John about the one and only **KE5NZY Baofeng Blaster**,

John and Alice got the chance to break in the KE5NZY Baofeng Blaster, which was presented to John. As you can see from the photos, you can expect to see this at future HAM events where John will be attending.

Promoting Arkansas Parks Worldwide

Over five hours of operation, WRRC made 116 contacts and 113 QSOs, reaching 30 U.S. states, 2 Canadian provinces, and DX contacts in Germany, Cyprus, and Madeira. That means each contact included the proud announcement of “Jacksonport State Park, Arkansas” — sharing the name of this great park with listeners across the country and around the world. Amateur radio is not only a hobby, but also a unique way to promote Arkansas tourism and history on an international stage.

We also reached 30 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces, operating on three bands and in two modes. We worked 40m on SSB, 20m on CW and SSB, and 15m as well. Special congratulations to Nathan (KI5EDP) for being our DX QSO winner, and a big shoutout to Bill (K5OGR), who was the first to activate W2RRC using CW.

Here is a list of everyone that activated the park. using W2RRC.

David (KJ5GBC) also activated the park and will be listed as soon as he creates his POTA account. Ed (KF5ETZ) drove over from Jonesboro, It was grest to see and meet you, Ed. Also from Jonesboro way was Ken (KB6EMH). Thanks for making the trip Ken.

W2RRC also earned five Parks on the Air awards during the event. We achieved our Gold Hunter award for 30 contacts, Platinum Hunter for 40 contacts, Diamond Hunter for 50 contacts, Parks to Park for 50 contacts, and we also received the award for the Support Your Parks Weekend this fall.

Here are some pictures from the event. Thanks again to everyone who joined us!

Looking Ahead

W2RRC is grateful to Jacksonport State Park and its staff for their hospitality. We look forward to returning and continuing this partnership, combining the excitement of amateur radio with the beauty and history of Arkansas State Parks. Our group is proud to play a role in showing the public new ways to enjoy these incredible parks — from making international radio contacts to simply sharing a meal by the river.

If anyone else reading this attended or knows of anyone who did, please add their names in the comments so we can have a full record. We want to thank everyone for joining us, our group continues to grow, and most importantly, we continue to play radio and have a great time. If you’re interested in joining us, feel free to contact us here or reach out through our White River group on Facebook.

Pass The Ham Radio Exam at Home: Get Licensed Now!

AG5CC · September 9, 2024 · 1 Comment

Why Remote Amateur Radio Testing is a Game-Changer: My First Experience as a GLAARG VE

If you had told me 4 years ago that I’d be sitting at my desk proctoring a nationwide amateur radio exam through my computer, I might have laughed. But here we are—and after my first experience as a GLAARG (Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group) Volunteer Examiner (VE), I’m convinced: remote testing is the way. It’s easier, more accessible, and, frankly, more fun than I ever expected.

Let me walk you through why I believe all amateur radio testing should be done this way.

A New Way to Give Back

Being a VE has always been about giving back to the community—helping new hams find their place in the world of amateur radio. But the remote format takes that to a new level.

In just one session, I was able to help candidates from all across the country, all from the comfort of my home in Arkansas. Imagine assisting aspiring hams from different states without anyone needing to drive, fly, or even leave their living room! It wasn’t just my small footprint in Arkansas—I was making an helping out nationwide, and that was both fulfilling and exciting.

The Smoothest Test Day Ever

We’ve all been through stressful test days—whether it’s the nervous energy in the room, waiting for your turn, or wondering if you brought the right pencils. Remote testing takes all that away.

As a first-time remote VE, I was a little nervous about how it would all go. But GLAARG has the process down to a science. The entire session flowed effortlessly, from checking IDs to monitoring the exam. Candidates were comfortable, I was comfortable, and the system is set up to run like a well-oiled machine. No one was left guessing what to do next, and it made for one of the smoothest exam days I’ve ever experienced—on either side of the desk.

Flexibility Like Never Before

One of the greatest things about remote testing is the flexibility it offers—for both candidates and examiners. When was the last time you heard someone say they took an amateur radio exam on a Wednesday evening after work, without leaving home? That’s the beauty of remote testing.

With GLAARG’s remote system, candidates can schedule their exams at times that fit their busy lives, and VEs like me can volunteer without rearranging our entire schedules. It’s a win-win. Living in a rural area, the flexibility meant I didn’t have to worry about finding a local session or driving hours to a test site.

Maintaining Integrity, Building Comfort

I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first—how do you ensure the integrity of a remote test? But GLAARG’s procedures left no room for doubt. The exam was proctored just as rigorously as any in-person test if not more. From the thorough ID checks to the live webcam monitoring, the security was top-notch.

But here’s the thing: the candidates were more relaxed. There’s something about taking a test in your own space that reduces stress, and I could see the difference in their performance. The entire process was less intimidating, which ultimately helped candidates do their best.

Why Remote Testing is the Future

When I look at how smooth, secure, and flexible remote testing is, it’s hard to imagine going back to the old in-person model. Here’s why I think all testing should move in this direction:

Accessibility for All: No matter where you live, remote testing ensures you can get licensed without the hassle of travel.
More Opportunities to Volunteer: Remote proctoring opens the door for more VEs to participate from anywhere, which means more testing opportunities for candidates.
Lower Stress for Candidates: Testing at home removes a lot of the nerves and distractions that come with in-person exams.
Technologically Advanced: Remote testing shows that amateur radio isn’t stuck in the past—it’s adapting and thriving in a digital world.

Ready to Dive In?

If you haven’t tried remote testing yet, whether as a candidate or a VE, I encourage you to jump in. The experience is rewarding, and I genuinely believe it’s the way forward for our community. Remote testing is a more modern, accessible, and enjoyable way to ensure the future of amateur radio.

READY TO TEST NOW? SCHEDULE your remote testing session Here!

REady to be a remote VE (Volunteer examiner)? go here!

GLAARG is certainly not the only VEC that offers remote testing; I’m also an ARRL VE. About a year ago, I emailed GLAARG expressing interest, and they reached out to me again roughly three weeks ago to see if I was still interested. That’s how I ended up experiencing my first remote session as a GLAARG VE.

In addition to GLAARG, here are several other VECs that offer remote amateur radio testing:

W5YI-VEC – Known for its broad network of examiners, W5YI offers remote testing for all license classes.
Anchorage ARC VEC – A pioneer in remote testing, they’ve been offering online exams well before the surge in remote sessions.
Laurel VEC – Some teams under Laurel VEC have embraced remote testing to increase accessibility for candidates.
ARRL VEC – The American Radio Relay League has adopted remote testing, with certain examiners offering online sessions.
Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association (GCARA) VEC – Another group providing remote testing opportunities for aspiring hams.

Each of these VECs, and I believe there are still others, contributes to making amateur radio licensing more accessible through remote testing, just like GLAARG.

Serving as a VE for GLAARG was a rewarding experience, and I’m looking forward to doing it again. After all, with how easy and efficient it is, why wouldn’t I?

Are you a fan of remote online testing? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Unleash Your POTA Power With Powerful HAM2K Logger!

AG5CC · August 26, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Initial Impressions

On a crisp Sunday morning, Nathan, KI5EDP, and AG5CC (that’s me) set out with a clear mission: to activate Jacksonport State Park (US-1078) as part of the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. While the fresh air and the thrill of radio were draws in themselves, our primary objective was to put a new open-source logging software to the test: Ham2K Portable Logger, or PoLo as it’s affectionately known.

Introducing PoLo

PoLo is a powerful, free application available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it easily accessible for iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. The developer, Sebastian KI2D, has plans for a Windows version, and Mac users with Apple silicon processors can already download the iPad version on their devices.

What sets PoLo apart is its focus on simplicity and efficiency. The app’s main screen is intuitively designed, placing all essential logging fields front and center, making it easy to log contacts, spot yourself, and grab spots—all from a single interface.

A particularly standout feature of PoLo is its handling of multiple operators or parks. Rather than inputting the same information multiple times, you can simply enter both callsigns or park numbers, separated by a comma. This is especially useful for N-Fers, saving time and reducing errors.

User Experience

Customization is a key strength of PoLo. The app allows you to filter the spots window by band and mode, making it easier to find what you need. When you click on a spot, the app automatically fills in your logging window with the relevant details. After logging the contact, the spot is lined out, giving you a clear visual of what’s been completed.

For those who prefer a more visual approach, PoLo also includes a Map window, which can be expanded to full screen. This feature allows you to see your activations in a geographical context, enhancing the overall logging experience.

*The Map view in PoLo, showing activated parks and contact locations.*

Sebastian has integrated support for a wide range of activities, including POTA, Summits on the Air (SOTA), Field Day, Winter Field Day, and more. The application is completely free, with an option to support its development through a “Buy me a coffee” link.

Another impressive feature is the ability to export your activated park logs into a file that can be effortlessly imported into your Parks on the Air logbook, streamlining the process even further.

Final Thoughts

After just a few POTA activations using PoLo, it’s clear that this app is a strong contender in the realm of portable logging. While it may not replace my primary logger just yet, it has certainly earned its spot in my toolkit. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option for a long hike or simply prefer to log on your phone or tablet, PoLo offers a reliable and efficient solution.

I highly recommend that all ham radio operators give PoLo a try. It’s an excellent app that’s still evolving, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. You can stay up to date with the latest features and offer feedback directly to Sebastian through his Google Groups, Discord server, and website.

For those looking to log QSOs on the go with speed and ease, PoLo is definitely worth the download. I bet you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!

Visit the PoLo website and explore it for yourself!

73,
AG5CC