Announcing the D-STAR QSO Party 2023

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We are pleased to share details about the 2023 ICOM/JARL-Authorised International D-Star QSO Party. The global event is set to take place over the holiday period beginning at 0:00 (UTC) on the 27th of December 2023 and will continue through to 23:59 (UTC) on the 5th of January 2024.

As in previous years, the aim is to encourage D-STAR operators to communicate with as many other operators worldwide but also to encourage the use of the picture-sending function found in the latest D-STAR radios. For every 30 points gained, those who enter will get into the draw for one of the prizes. In addition, all operators who submit an approved log will be given a D-STAR Party Certificate (PDF) for participating.

To learn more about the event including rules and how to submit your log, visit https://www.icomjapan.com/event/dqp2023/

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)is on 20-22 October 2023

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Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)is on 20-22 October 2023

Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA), the largest Scouting event in the world, takes place on the third weekend of 20-22nd October 2023.

This annual global operating event allows Scouts to use amateur radio to connect with hams around the world. The event is supported by many local amateur radio clubs and individual operators. JOTA starts Friday and ends Sunday, but there are no offi­cial hours of operation, so you have the whole weekend to make JOTA contacts.

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ARRL Launches The NTS Letter

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ARRL Launches The NTS Letter

There's a new newsletter in the ARRL repertoire as of this week. The first issue of The NTS Letter was published on October 3, 2023. The NTS Letter is a monthly digest of all things related to the ARRL National Traffic System®. It is edited by Marcia Forde, KW1U, who is a veteran traffic handler and serves as the Section Traffic Manager for the ARRL Eastern and Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island Sections.

The NTS is network that allows for rapid movement of messages, referred to as "traffic," from origin to destination, and for training amateur operators to handle written traffic and to participate in directed nets. The network consists of the layering and sequencing of both voice and CW traffic nets, as well as a digital system that operates 24/7. This nationwide system operates 365 days a year, generally relaying routine message traffic for training purposes and for maintaining readiness if called upon in an emergency. If called upon, these operators stand ready to assist emergency communications personnel and served-agency partners in relaying welfare and other messages. It is the modern continuation of the historic "radio relay" from ARRL's founding in 1914.

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