Radio Hill Gazette

RHG Articles

Portable Measurement Baselines and Troubleshooting

Portable Measurement Baselines and Fast Field Troubleshooting

When you are out in the field, every minute and every tool counts. From quick checks of matching networks to sweeping coax for common-mode current, a compact kit and a tight process can turn frustrating guesswork into fast, confident decisions.

Use the 8-Minute Script View the Park Kit

This guide is designed for park activations, club demonstrations, antenna days, emergency exercises, and portable HF/VHF testing. The goal is simple: establish a repeatable baseline, identify obvious losses or common-mode problems, make a quick correction, and log the final result.

Field Measurement Benefits

Measure at the Feedpoint

Start where the antenna system begins. A feedpoint reading helps separate antenna problems from feedline or station-side issues.

Check Common-Mode Fast

A snap-on RF current clamp lets you inspect the coax shield without cutting, soldering, or rebuilding the feedline in the field.

Fix, Retest, Log

Install a choke, tighten a connector, retest the baseline, and record the final readings before operating or demonstrating.

Practical Devices: Budget to Pro

The best analyzer is the one you know how to calibrate, read, and trust under field conditions. These options cover budget, mid-price, and more traditional analyzer workflows.

Budget VNA

SeeSii NanoVNA-F V2 / Mustool NanoVNA-F V2 / NanoVNA-F V2

These compact vector network analyzers are versatile for SWR, S-parameter views, Smith chart insight, and basic choke or antenna checks. However, they require calibration and some VNA literacy to get the most accurate results.[1][2]

Field Friendly

RigExpert Stick 230, Stick Pro, and Stick XPro

Dedicated handheld analyzers provide built-in displays and straightforward SWR and impedance readouts. They are rugged, quick to deploy, and often easier to use during portable events than a small VNA screen.[3][4][5]

Classic Tools

RigExpert AA-55 and MFJ-269CPRO

Classic antenna analyzers remain useful because they have familiar controls, broad amateur radio support, and proven workflows for HF and beyond.[6][7]

Device Selection Table

Tool Best field use Typical strength Field note
SeeSii NanoVNA-F V2 / Mustool NanoVNA-F V2 / NanoVNA-F V2 Budget VNA work, antenna checks, S-parameter checks, Smith chart review Small size, flexible measurements, low cost Calibrate for the frequency span and measurement plane before trusting the reading.[1][2]
RigExpert Stick 230 HF through VHF quick antenna and cable checks 0.1 to 230 MHz handheld workflow Good for demonstrations where simple SWR, return loss, R, X, Z, L, C, magnitude, and phase readings are enough.[3]
RigExpert Stick Pro HF/VHF/UHF portable checks 0.1 to 600 MHz coverage Use when the deployment needs more range than the Stick 230 and a handheld interface.[4]
RigExpert Stick XPro Wider-range analyzer checks and cable tools 0.1 to 1000 MHz coverage with TDR and cable-tool modes Useful when UHF work, distance-to-fault checks, or broader analyzer functions matter.[5]
RigExpert AA-55 Classic HF antenna and cable testing 60 kHz to 55 MHz, familiar analyzer workflow Good for HF events where a larger handheld instrument is acceptable.[6]
MFJ-269CPRO Legacy HF/VHF/UHF analyzer workflow Antenna, feedline, tuner, filter, trap, choke, and inductor checks Good where club members already know the MFJ menu, knobs, and meter behavior.[7]
Tekbox TBCP2 or Com-Power CLCE-series RF current probe Common-mode current checks on coax and cable bundles Snap-on inspection without cutting the line Slide the probe along the cable to find current hot spots and retest after choking.[8][9][10]

Clamp Probe Pick: Find the Feed-line Acting Like an Antenna

Snap-on RF current clamps, such as Tekbox/TBCP2 or Com-Power CLCE-series probes, let you sweep coax runs and look for common-mode current without soldering onto the feedline. For low-cost experimenting, an ARRL-style DIY clamp can also be built and used as a practical field indicator.[8][9][10][11]

Minimal Park/Test Kit Essentials

Keep the kit small enough to carry, but complete enough to isolate common portable antenna problems quickly. 

  • Analyzer, VNA, or handheld
  • RF current clamp
  • 50 Ω dummy load
  • Short N/SMA jumpers
  • Anderson Powerpole leads
  • Small chokes / FT-240-43 cores
  • Good multimeter
  • CoaxSeal and heat-shrink

The 8-Minute In-Field Script

Use this script when time is tight, daylight is fading, or the group needs a repeatable troubleshooting routine.

0:30
Power and visual safety check Confirm battery, power leads, obvious shorts, damaged coax, loose adapters, and safe routing.
1:30
Feedpoint calibration and SWR Calibrate at the feedpoint when possible, then capture the first antenna-system baseline.
1:00
Rig-side SWR check Compare rig-side readings to feedpoint readings to spot feedline or station-side differences.
1:30
Clamp sweep for common-mode peaks Move the clamp along the coax and look for shield current hot spots or pattern-changing feedline behavior.
2:00
Install and test chokes/connectors Add a choke, tighten connectors, change adapters, and retest only the correction you just made.
1:30
Final read and log Record final SWR, impedance notes, choke position, coax length, band, power level, and any next action.

Baseline Log Table

Step Reading to capture Decision trigger Final log entry
Feedpoint calibration and SWR Frequency, SWR, R, X, and measurement plane Mismatch appears at the antenna before the feedline is added Feedpoint baseline
Rig-side SWR check Same frequency and antenna state from the station end Rig-side reading differs meaningfully from feedpoint reading Feedline or station-side note
Clamp sweep for common-mode peaks Probe location, band, relative current peak, and null location Shield current hot spot moves or remains high after a routing change Common-mode note and coax position
Install and test chokes/connectors Choke type, connector change, and before/after reading Reading improves, worsens, or stays unchanged after one correction Correction result
Final read and log Final SWR, impedance note, power level, coax length, and band Ready to operate, demonstrate, or schedule follow-up work Final baseline

Portable Measurement Troubleshooting Flow Diagram

---
config:
  markdownAutoWrap: true
  flowchart:
    wrappingWidth: 220
    useMaxWidth: true
    nodeSpacing: 40
    rankSpacing: 50
---
flowchart TD
    A["`0:30
Power and visual safety check`"]

    B["`1:30
Feedpoint calibration and SWR`"]

    C["`1:00
Rig-side SWR check`"]

    D{"`Do the feedpoint and rig-side
readings agree?`"}

    E["`1:30
Clamp sweep for
common-mode peaks`"]

    F["`Inspect feedline, adapters,
and station-side connections`"]

    G{"`Was a common-mode
peak found?`"}

    H["`2:00
Install and test
chokes and connectors`"]

    I["`1:30
Final reading
and log entry`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D

    D -->|"Yes"| E
    D -->|"No"| F

    F --> C
    E --> G

    G -->|"Yes"| H
    G -->|"No"| I

    H --> I

Troubleshooting Time Allocation Graph

xychart-beta
    title "8-Minute Script Time Allocation"
    x-axis ["Safety", "Feedpoint", "Rig-side", "Clamp", "Correct", "Log"]
    y-axis "Minutes" 0 --> 2
    bar [0.5, 1.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 1.5]

Field Measurement FAQ

Should I buy a NanoVNA or a dedicated antenna analyzer?

A NanoVNA gives more measurement flexibility for a low price, but it requires careful calibration and practice. A dedicated analyzer is usually faster and simpler for quick SWR and impedance checks in the field.

Why measure at both the feedpoint and rig side?

Feedpoint readings show the antenna condition more directly. Rig-side readings include the feedline and station connections, so comparing both helps identify where the problem begins.

What does an RF current clamp show?

It helps detect current flowing on the outside of the coax shield. That current can indicate common-mode behavior, unwanted feedline radiation, noise pickup, or a need for better choking.

What should I log after testing?

Log the band, frequency, antenna, coax length, feedpoint reading, rig-side reading, choke location, power level, and final result. This makes the next deployment much faster.

Bottom Line

A compact measurement kit and a repeatable routine help you move from “is this working?” to useful corrective action. That matters during demonstrations, activations, troubleshooting sessions, and any portable deployment where time and confidence matter.

References

  1. “SeeSii NanoVNA-F V2 4.3″ Vector Network Analyzer 50kHz–3GHz.” Publisher: SeeSii. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://www.seesiius.com/products/seesii-nanovna-f-v2-4-3-vector-network-analyzer-50khz-3000mhz
  2. “User Manual | NanoVNA V2 | NanoRFE.” Publisher: NanoRFE. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2-user-manual.html
  3. “Stick 230.” Publisher: RigExpert. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://rigexpert.com/antenna-analyzers/stick-230/
  4. “Stick Pro.” Publisher: RigExpert. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://rigexpert.com/antenna-analyzers/stick-pro/
  5. “Stick XPro.” Publisher: RigExpert. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://rigexpert.com/antenna-analyzers/stick-xpro/
  6. “AA-55 ZOOM.” Publisher: RigExpert. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://rigexpert.com/discontinued-products/aa-55-zoom/
  7. “MFJ-269Pro Instruction Manual: Antenna Analyzer.” Publisher: MFJ Enterprises; hosted by Repeater Builder. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://manuals.repeater-builder.com/MFJ/MFJ-269PRO/MFJ-269PRO.pdf
  8. “TBCP2 32mm Snap On RF Current Monitoring Probes.” Publisher: Tekbox Digital Solutions. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://www.tekbox.com/product/tbcp2-32mm-snap-on-rf-current-monitoring-probes/
  9. “Selecting the Right RF Current Monitoring Probe: Com-Power CLCE Series Product Guide.” Publisher: Com-Power Corporation. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://www.com-power.com/tech-notes/selecting-the-right-rf-current-monitoring-probe–com-power-clce-series-product-guide
  10. “Using the RF Current Probe.” Publisher: Com-Power Corporation. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://www.com-power.com/uploads/technote/UsingtheCurrentProbe.pdf
  11. “Common-Mode Current and Common-Mode Chokes.” Publisher: ARRL/QST. Accessed July 9, 2026. URL: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/This%20Month%20in%20QST/2024/03%20Mar%2024/03%20march%202024%20Lamano%20free%20article.pdf
RHG Articles

SARC 50th Anniversary Saturday Breakfast

Breakfast, Radio Talk, and the Friendship That Keeps SARC Going

Here is a simple way for SARC members to celebrate the club’s 50th Anniversary: come to breakfast. SARC’s breakfast page notes that the club meets on the first Saturday of the month at 8:00 AM at Maxfield’s Pancake House in Schaumburg, and that everyone is welcome to join in for radio talk and good food.1 SARC is celebrating 50 years of amateur radio, public service, learning, and friendship. That kind of milestone belongs at Field Day, on the air, at meetings, and in club history. It also belongs around a breakfast table. The club’s 50th Anniversary post says SARC has brought people together for five decades through radio, learning, service, and friendship.2 At breakfast, that mission is easy to see. There are no microphones to pass, no agenda to approve, and no pileup to break. There is just a table full of people who enjoy amateur radio, good conversation, and one another’s company.

Event Snapshot

Item Details
Event SARC 50th Anniversary First Saturday Breakfast
Time 8:00 AM
Recurring Schedule First Saturday of the month
Location Maxfield’s Pancake House, Schaumburg
Who Is Welcome SARC members, visitors, new hams, returning operators, and radio-curious guests
Theme Celebrating 50 years of amateur radio, service, and friendship
Best Reason to Come Camaraderie, conversation, and a good breakfast

More Than a Meal

A SARC breakfast may start with coffee, pancakes, eggs, and a few good mornings. Before long, it becomes something more. At one end of the table, someone may be talking about an antenna that almost worked. At another, someone may be helping a newer operator understand a radio setting, repeater tone, digital mode, or logging question. Nearby, a longtime member may be remembering a Field Day, a public-service event, or a club project from years ago. That is the real value of the breakfast. The conversations are casual, but they matter. A question asked over breakfast can become a station improvement. A story can become club history. A suggestion can become a project. A visitor can become a member. A new ham can leave with enough confidence to get on the air.

The Conversations Are the Program

The First Saturday breakfast does not need a formal program. The table creates its own.

Breakfast Topic What Members Share
Getting on the air Repeaters, nets, HF basics, operating tips, and first contacts
Station setup Radios, power supplies, antennas, feed line, grounding, and logging
Building and fixing Projects, parts, tools, troubleshooting, and lessons learned
Public service Event support, emergency readiness, and volunteer experience
Club history Stories, photos, past events, longtime members, and old lessons worth saving
New ideas Programs, website articles, demonstrations, operating events, and mentoring

The best part is that no one has to know everything before sitting down. Questions are welcome. Curiosity is welcome. Visitors are welcome. A call sign is welcome, but not required to enjoy the conversation.

Breakfast Conversation Flow

flowchart TB
    A[Arrive at Maxfield's] --> B[Coffee and greetings]
    B --> C[Radio questions]
    C --> D[Stories and advice]
    D --> E[Project ideas and operating tips]
    E --> F[Invitations to meetings, nets, events, and mentoring]
    F --> G[Leave better connected than when you arrived]

Why This Fits the 50th Anniversary

A club does not reach 50 years because of equipment alone. Radios matter. Repeaters matter. Antennas, test gear, coax, batteries, and logging software all have their place. However, SARC’s real strength is its people. Members keep showing up. They teach. They listen. They troubleshoot. They volunteer. They operate. They remember the past and help newer members find their place in the hobby. That is why the First Saturday breakfast is such a good 50th Anniversary activity. It shows the club’s spirit in a simple setting. No tower is required. No generator is running. No special event call sign is needed. Still, the same SARC signal is there. Friendship. Mentoring. Service. Curiosity. Radio.

A Good Place for New Hams

For a new ham, the first club activity can feel like a big step. Breakfast makes that step easier. You can come with a license or without one. You can come with years of experience or only a few questions. You can ask about handheld radios, repeaters, antennas, licensing, nets, Field Day, digital modes, or where to begin. Someone at the table has probably asked the same question before. That is how a club grows. Not only through meetings and events, but through small conversations that make people feel welcome.

A Good Place for Longtime Members

The breakfast is also a good place for longtime members to keep the SARC story alive. SARC’s 50th year is a good time to remember old events, photos, newsletters, meeting places, projects, Field Days, public-service work, and members who helped build the club. A short breakfast story can become a Radio Hill Gazette article. A photo can become part of the club archive. A memory can help future members understand where SARC came from. The next 50 years will need those stories.

How to Participate

  1. Come to Maxfield’s Pancake House in Schaumburg on the First Saturday of the Month.
  2. Arrive around 8:00 AM.
  3. Look for the SARC group just right of the entrance.
  4. Bring a question, a story, a project idea, or just an appetite.
  5. Welcome someone you do not know yet.
  6. Leave with one new connection.

That is all it takes.

Suggested SARC Breakfast Goals

Person Simple Goal
First-time visitor Meet a few members and ask one question
Newly licensed ham Ask how to get on a local repeater or join a net
HF operator Share a recent contact, band opening, or special event station
Builder Bring a project question or a lesson learned
Longtime member Share one SARC memory from the past
Club helper Welcome someone new and invite them to the next SARC activity
Everyone Enjoy breakfast and good radio conversation

Camaraderie Is the Contact

Amateur radio often focuses on the contact: call sign, signal report, location, and log entry. At breakfast, the contact is different. It is the handshake at the door. The open chair. The helpful answer. The friendly debate about antennas. The story that starts with, “I remember when…” The encouragement that sends someone home ready to turn on the radio and try again. That camaraderie is one of SARC’s best signals. The SARC website says amateur radio is more fun when people have others to share it with, and that the club gives members a local community where they can learn, operate, volunteer, and keep discovering the hobby.3 The First Saturday breakfast is one of the easiest ways to do exactly that.

Give It a Try

SARC’s next First Saturday breakfast is Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM at Maxfield’s Pancake House in Schaumburg.

Come for the food. Stay for the conversation. Bring a question. Bring a story. Bring a friend. Most of all, come be part of the club. SARC’s first 50 years were built by people who showed up, helped each other, and made amateur radio fun. The next 50 years can begin the same way: one breakfast, one conversation, and one new connection at a time.

Join SARC

References

  1. “Saturday Breakfasts.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 7, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/saturday-breakfasts/ ↩
  2. “SARC 50th Anniversary: Celebrating 50 Years of Amateur Radio, Service, and Friendship.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 7, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/2026/06/sarc-50th-anniversary-2/ ↩
  3. “Home.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 7, 2026. Full URL: https://www.n9rjv.org/ ↩
Events

World Soccer Tournament Special Event

Work the 2026 World Soccer Tournament

Post idea from AD9DU — Mariusz Szpryngacz

Football/Fútbol on the Air — June 11 through July 19, 2026

Here is a fun operating idea for SARC members: work the 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event Stations. Amateur radio operators in the North American host cities are celebrating the tournament by putting special event call signs on the air from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026, and stations are operating on HF, VHF, and UHF using analog and digital modes.[1][2]

This is a good event for experienced operators, newer HF operators, digital-mode users, CW operators, and anyone who enjoys chasing special event stations. You do not need to be a soccer expert to participate. Turn on the radio, find an active station, make the contact, log it, and try for more host cities.

Event Snapshot

Item Details
Event 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event Stations
Dates June 11 – July 19, 2026
Theme Host-city amateur radio special event stations
Countries United States, Canada, and Mexico
Bands and modes HF, VHF, UHF; analog and digital modes
Goal Work as many host-city stations as possible
Extras QSL cards and certificates are part of the event
Hashtag #wc2026ses

ARRL’s special-event listing also identifies the event date range and QSL/certificate details for the Dallas entry; use the official event site for the full live schedule and city pages.[3]

The amateur radio event is organized in support of the tournament but is not affiliated with the World Cup itself.[2]

Host City Call Signs to Listen For

The published station list includes special event call signs for the 16 host cities, plus bonus station WC5WC.[5][6] Stadium names below are listed as familiar venue names for operator reference.[8]

Call Sign City / Area Stadium / Note
W4C Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium
W1C Boston Gillette Stadium
W5C/D Dallas AT&T Stadium
W5C/H Houston NRG Stadium
K0C Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium
W6C Los Angeles SoFi Stadium
K4C Miami Hard Rock Stadium
W2C New York / New Jersey MetLife Stadium
WM3PEN Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field
W6S San Francisco Levi’s Stadium
W7C Seattle Lumen Field
VC3F Toronto BMO Field
VB7F Vancouver BC Place
4A1GDL Guadalajara Estadio Akron
4A1CMX Mexico City Estadio Azteca
4A1MTY Monterrey Estadio BBVA
WC5WC Bonus Station No stadium

Station Mix Graph

This graph shows how the 16 host-city stations are distributed across the three host countries. The separate WC5WC bonus station is shown in the station table above.

pie title Host-City Station Mix
    "United States" : 11
    "Canada" : 2
    "Mexico" : 3

This graph separates the regular host-city chase from the bonus station.

pie title Chase Target Count
    "Host-city stations" : 16
    "Bonus station" : 1

Current Note for Chasers

As of July 4, 2026, chasers should pay special attention to the New York / New Jersey credit. The event team reported that W2C contacts counted for the multi-city event only through July 3, and that WC5WC will count toward the achievement certificates through the end of the event on July 19.[7]

Check the official event website before chasing awards, because special event call signs, schedules, and certificate details can change during a large multi-station event.[1]

How Ham Radio Operators Work the Show

The basic operating flow is simple:

Find a station → Listen → Call → Exchange → Log → Confirm → Chase the next city

Operating Flow Diagram

---
config:
  markdownAutoWrap: true
  flowchart:
    wrappingWidth: 220
    useMaxWidth: true
    nodeSpacing: 40
    rankSpacing: 50
---
flowchart TD
    A["`Find a
station`"]

    B["`Listen
first`"]

    C["`Call with your
call sign`"]

    D["`Exchange signal report
and location`"]

    E["`Log the
QSO`"]

    F["`Confirm through a log search
or QSL process`"]

    G["`Chase the
next city`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D
    D --> E
    E --> F
    F --> G

1. Check the schedule

Start at the official event website and look for the city pages, operating schedule, calendar, log search, and QSL information. Host-city teams are active around match days, and activity may move between bands and modes depending on propagation and operator availability.[1][10]

2. Pick a band and mode

For SARC members in Illinois, HF will likely be the easiest way to work many of the stations.[9] Listen on the bands that are open at the time. During the day, try 20, 17, 15, or 10 meters if propagation supports it. In the evening, try 40 and 80 meters. Digital operators should watch common FT8/FT4 watering holes, and CW/SSB operators should watch spotting networks and tune the bands.

3. Listen first

Before calling, copy the station’s call sign, frequency, mode, and instructions. Make sure you know whether the station is operating simplex or split. If there is a pileup, listen to how the operator is taking calls.

4. Call with your call sign

Use your own call sign, or use the club call only if you are authorized to do so. Keep the call short and clear.

Example on SSB:

“Whiskey Charlie Five Whiskey Charlie, this is November Nine Romeo Juliet Victor.”

Or, using your own call:

“Whiskey Charlie Five Whiskey Charlie, this is [your call sign].”

5. Make the exchange

The exchange is usually simple. Give a signal report and your location when requested.

Example:

“You are 59 in Illinois.”

On CW, it may be as simple as:

“5NN IL”

On digital modes, the software will handle much of the exchange, but you still need to verify the correct station, band, mode, and completed QSO.

6. Log the contact

Log each contact carefully. Include:

Log Item Example
Date 2026-07-04
Time UTC time
Call sign worked WC5WC
Band 20m
Mode SSB, CW, FT8, etc.
Signal report 59, 599, or digital report
Your station call Your call sign or authorized club call

Good logging matters because certificates and QSL confirmations depend on matching records.

7. Confirm and collect

The event promotes QSL cards and certificates, so check the official site for log-search, QSL, and certificate instructions. The event information notes that participants can collect host-city QSL cards and request certificates after the event.[1][4]

Certificate Chase Flow Diagram

---
config:
  markdownAutoWrap: true
  flowchart:
    wrappingWidth: 220
    useMaxWidth: true
    nodeSpacing: 40
    rankSpacing: 50
---
flowchart TD
    A["`Complete each
QSO`"]

    B["`Log the date, UTC time,
call sign, band, and mode`"]

    C["`Check the official
log search`"]

    D{"`Have you contacted
enough host cities?`"}

    E["`Return to the schedule
and chase another station`"]

    F["`Follow the QSL or
certificate instructions`"]

    G["`Save the certificate
and QSL records`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D

    D -->|"No"| E
    E --> A

    D -->|"Yes"| F
    F --> G

8. Share what you find

After you work a station, help other SARC members by sharing useful information: band, mode, approximate signal strength, and whether the station was working simplex or split. This is a great way to help newer operators get on the air and make a successful special event contact.

Suggested SARC Operating Goals

Operator Goal
Newer HF operator Work one special event station and practice the exchange
Casual operator Work three to five host cities
Digital-mode operator Chase the stations on FT8 or FT4
CW operator Try for as many cities as possible on CW
HF chaser Work all available host-city stations
Club helper Spot stations, share band openings, and help others log contacts

Volunteer Operators Are Part of the Fun

This event also needs operators to help activate the stations. The event information says volunteer operators may operate from their own shack or another preferred location using their own equipment, and that individuals, groups, and clubs are welcome.[1]

Even though Schaumburg is not one of the host cities, SARC members can still participate by chasing the stations, helping others get on the air, spotting active stations, and encouraging members to try a special event contact.

Give It a Try

Special event stations are a great way to build operating confidence. The exchange is short, the stations want to work you, and every contact adds something interesting to your logbook.

Turn on the radio, listen for #wc2026ses activity, and see how many host cities you can work before the event ends on July 19, 2026.

For full details, schedules, log search, QSL information, and certificate updates, visit the official 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event website.[1]

Suggested WordPress Details

Title Work the 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event
Category News or Radio Events
Tags WC2026SES, Special Event Station, HF, SSB, CW, Digital Modes, QSL, SARC, Ham Radio
Excerpt SARC members can work the 2026 World Soccer Tournament Special Event Stations from June 11 through July 19. Listen for host-city call signs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, log the contacts, and collect QSL cards and certificates.

References

  1. “2026 World Soccer Tournament #wc2026ses.” 2026 World Soccer Tournament Ham Radio Special Event. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://wc2026ses.org/ ↩
  2. “‘Football on the Air’ Comes to North America.” Amateur Radio Daily, published by Ham Weekly. Published June 9, 2026. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://daily.hamweekly.com/2026/06/football-on-the-air-fifa-world-cup-tournament/ ↩
  3. “Search for Special Events Stations.” ARRL: The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://www.arrl.org/special_events/search/page%3A1/model%3AEvent ↩
  4. “Special Event Stations.” ARRL: The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations ↩
  5. “HF Update with ZS4BS.” South African Radio League. Published May 26, 2026. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://mysarl.org.za/hf-update-with-zs4bs-37/ ↩
  6. “425 DX News Calendar.” 425 DX News. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://www.425dxn.org/index.php?op=wcal ↩
  7. “Bonus Station WC5WC to Replace W2C for Football Special Event.” Amateur Radio Daily, published by Ham Weekly. Published June 30, 2026. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://daily.hamweekly.com/2026/06/bonus-station-wc5wc-to-replace-w2c-for-football-special-event/ ↩
  8. “2026 World Cup Cities Map and Venues.” Roadtrips. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://www.roadtrips.com/world-cup/2026-world-cup-packages/venues/ ↩
  9. “Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/ ↩
  10. “Log Search.” 2026 World Soccer Tournament Ham Radio Special Event. Accessed July 4, 2026. https://wc2026ses.org/log-search ↩
News

Work the 13 Colonies Special Event

13 Colonies Event July 1–7

Post idea from WB9NBA — Roger Young.

Here is a great operating idea for SARC members: get on the air for the 13 Colonies Special Event.

The 13 Colonies Special Event is an annual, not-for-profit amateur radio event celebrating the original 13 American colonies. The event activates one station for each colony, K2A through K2M, along with three bonus stations: WM3PEN in Philadelphia, GB13COL in Great Britain, and TM13COL in France.[1][2]

For 2026, the event runs from July 1 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time through July 7 at midnight Eastern Time. In UTC, that is July 1, 2026 at 1300 UTC through July 8, 2026 at 0400 UTC.[1]

The goal is simple: make contact with as many colony and bonus stations as you can. You can make one contact, chase a few states, or go for a clean sweep by working all 13 colony stations and the three bonus stations.[2]

Event Snapshot

Item Details
Event 13 Colonies Special Event
2026 dates July 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time through July 7, 2026 at midnight Eastern Time
UTC operating window July 1, 2026 at 1300 UTC through July 8, 2026 at 0400 UTC
Main stations 13 colony stations, K2A through K2M
Bonus stations WM3PEN, GB13COL, and TM13COL
Clean sweep target All 13 colony stations plus all 3 bonus stations
Spotting Operators are encouraged to spot active stations for others, and the event site suggests DX Summit.[1]

13 Colony Stations

Listen for these special event call signs:

Call Sign Colony
K2A New York
K2B Virginia
K2C Rhode Island
K2D Connecticut
K2E Delaware
K2F Maryland
K2G Georgia
K2H Massachusetts
K2I New Jersey
K2J North Carolina
K2K New Hampshire
K2L South Carolina
K2M Pennsylvania

Bonus Stations

Call Sign Bonus Station
WM3PEN Philadelphia
GB13COL Great Britain
TM13COL France

Quick Visual Graphs

Station Count Graph

13 Colony Stations | ************* 13
Bonus Stations     | *** 3
Clean Sweep Target | **************** 16

Operating Window Graph

Start                                         Finish
July 1, 2026 1300 UTC |====================| July 8, 2026 0400 UTC
July 1, 2026 9:00 AM ET                      July 7, 2026 Midnight ET

Bands, Modes, and Exchange

All HF bands are in play, including the WARC bands, with the exception of 60 meters. Simplex operation on 2 meters and 6 meters is encouraged. Because the special event stations are on the East Coast and are close to each other, the event site encourages the use of 40 meters through 160 meters for those closer-in contacts.[3]

Modes may include SSB, CW, RTTY, digital modes, and others depending on the individual colony state station.[3]

Exchange Item What to Send
Call sign Your amateur radio call sign
Signal report RS, RST, or RSQ, depending on mode
Location State, province, or country

The official exchange is call sign, RS/RST/RSQ, and state/province or country.[4]

For example, a SARC station might send:

N9RJV, 59, Illinois

How to Participate

This is also a good event for newer HF operators. The exchange is short, the stations are active, and there are many chances to practice listening, calling, logging, and handling pileups.

The event FAQ says participation is as easy as turning on the radio, listening for a 13 Colonies activating station calling CQ, and answering with your call sign, name, state, and RST. Operators can also monitor or search spotting networks such as DX Summit.[6]

---
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---
flowchart TD
    A["`Turn on
the radio`"]

    B["`Listen for K2A–K2M
or bonus stations`"]

    C{"`Do you hear a station
calling CQ?`"}

    D["`Answer with your
call sign`"]

    E["`Send RS, RST, or RSQ
and your state, province,
or country`"]

    F["`Log the
contact`"]

    G["`Spot the station for others
when appropriate`"]

    H["`Check another band
or a spotting network`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C

    C -->|"Yes"| D
    D --> E
    E --> F
    F --> G

    C -->|"No"| H
    H --> B

Suggested SARC Operating Plan

Operator Goal Simple Plan
First-time special event operator Try for one colony station and practice the exchange.
Casual operator Work three to five colony stations on the bands and modes you already enjoy.
HF chaser Track each K2A–K2M call sign and add bonus stations as they appear.
Clean sweep attempt Work all 13 colony stations plus WM3PEN, GB13COL, and TM13COL.
Club helper Spot stations after you work them and share useful band openings with other SARC members.

Important Operating Notes

Topic Note
Spotting If you work a colony station, the event encourages you to spot it for others.[1]
Repeat contacts The FAQ says the event is not a contest and there is no limit on how many times you can contact the same activating station, but it asks operators who have already made contact to wait until a pileup clears before calling again.[6]
Personal logs Participants do not submit logs to 13 Colonies. Only activating stations submit logs to the event, though participants are encouraged to upload their own logs to Logbook of The World, eQSL, QRZ, or another online logging database.[6]
Automatic operation The FAQ states that automatic operation is not allowed. Software-assisted FT8 operation is permissible only when a designated control operator remains responsible for the station and can ensure proper operation when needed.[6]

Certificates and QSL Information

Participants can request a 13 Colonies certificate after the event once the station logs have been uploaded. For 2026, the event site says there will be three ways to get a certificate: a free download, an online order for a printed certificate, or a mailed log form with payment.[5]

The certificate page says the link to order certificates will be posted on July 21, after the event team has time to compile logs from all 13 Colonies stations. Free downloadable certificates are expected to be available approximately two weeks after the event. Printed certificates cost $8.00 for U.S. stations and $10.00 for DX stations. The cutoff date to submit a 2026 certificate request is October 31, 2026.[5]

The 13 Colonies Special Event does not provide one QSL card for the whole event. Instead, each station may issue its own special QSL card, so check the individual station information through the QSL links on the official event website.[6]

---
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  markdownAutoWrap: true
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flowchart TD
    A["`Make contacts
during July 1–7`"]

    B["`Wait for activating station
logs to be uploaded`"]

    C["`Use the certificate request
page after it opens`"]

    D{"`Choose a certificate
option`"}

    E["`Download the
certificate`"]

    F["`Order a printed
certificate online`"]

    G["`Mail the log form
and payment`"]

    H["`Keep or print
your certificate`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D

    D -->|"Free download"| E
    D -->|"Printed online order"| F
    D -->|"Mail request"| G

    E --> H
    F --> H
    G --> H

SWLs and DX Stations

Shortwave listeners can also qualify for the certificate. The SWL and DX page says one or all 13 stations logged qualifies an SWL, and DX stations are welcome to participate.[7]

A Little Background

The event was founded by Ken Villone, KU2US, in 2008 after he participated in the ARRL Sweepstakes and wanted to create a multi-station special event tied to the original 13 Colonies and the Fourth of July period. According to the event history page, the first year produced more than 12,000 contacts, and the 2010 event produced more than 32,000 contacts.[2]

Give It a Try

The 13 Colonies Special Event is a fun way to get on HF during Independence Day week, practice your operating skills, and add unique special event contacts to your log.

Thanks to Roger Young, WB9NBA, for suggesting this operating idea for SARC members.

For full details, station information, certificate instructions, and updates, visit the official event website at https://www.13colonies.us/.

References

  1. “The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/ ↩
  2. “History | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/history ↩
  3. “Bands and Modes | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/bands ↩
  4. “Exchange | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/exchange ↩
  5. “Certificates | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/certificates ↩
  6. “Frequently Asked Questions | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/faq ↩
  7. “SWL & DX | The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event.” Publisher: The Annual 13 Colonies Special Event official website. Accessed July 3, 2026. Full URL: https://www.13colonies.us/swl_dx ↩
Events RHG Articles

SARC 50th Anniversary: Celebrating 50 Years of Amateur Radio, Service, and Friendship

SARC 50th Anniversary: Celebrating 50 Years of Amateur Radio, Service, and Friendship

SARC celebrates 50 years of amateur radio, public service, and friendship.

The SARC 50th Anniversary marks a proud moment for the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. For five decades, SARC has brought people together through radio, learning, service, and friendship.[1]

Since the mid-1970s, SARC members have shared a simple goal: keep amateur radio active, useful, and welcoming. As a result, the club has grown into a strong local group with deep roots in Schaumburg and the surrounding area.[2]

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

A 50th anniversary does not happen by accident. Instead, it happens because members show up, teach others, try new things, and serve the community.

Over the years, SARC has helped people discover amateur radio. Also, the club has supported licensed operators who want to learn more, build more, and get on the air more often.[3]

Today, SARC continues that work through:

  • Weekly nets
  • Monthly meetings
  • License classes
  • Test sessions
  • Mentoring
  • Repeaters
  • Building projects
  • Outdoor operating
  • Public-service events
  • Emergency-readiness activities

Therefore, the SARC 50th Anniversary celebrates more than the past. It also celebrates the people who keep the club active today.

50 Years of Service to the Community

Amateur radio has always blended fun with purpose. SARC proves that point through steady public service.[4]

SARC members support local events and community activities. In addition, they give their time, skills, and equipment when clear communication matters.

The club’s public-service work has included support for events such as the Schaumburg Triathlon, the MS Walk, Septemberfest, and other area activities. Because of this work, SARC shows the value of amateur radio beyond the shack.[5]

Field Day: A Perfect Time to Celebrate

Field Day gives SARC a strong public stage. It welcomes visitors, introduces new people to ham radio, and lets members show what radio can do.[6]

This year, the SARC 50th Anniversary can add even more meaning to Field Day. For example, the club can use the milestone to welcome guests, thank members, and invite the public to learn more.

A few simple ideas can make the celebration stand out:

  • Share an anniversary cake after dinner
  • Display photos from past club events
  • Invite visitors to the Get On The Air station
  • Recognize longtime members
  • Promote SARC classes and test sessions
  • Share the club’s public-service story

Meanwhile, members can use the event to talk with guests about what makes SARC special.

Ways to Mark the SARC 50th Anniversary

A great anniversary celebration does not need to be complicated. However, it should feel visible, warm, and meaningful.

SARC can celebrate in several ways:

  • Request a Village of Schaumburg proclamation to honor the club’s 50 years.[7]
  • Operate a special event station to share the milestone on the air.[8]
  • Publish a Radio Hill Gazette anniversary edition with photos, stories, and memories.[9]
  • Create SARC 50th Anniversary shirts, hats, or badges for members and events.
  • Host a club history presentation with fun stories from longtime operators.
  • Scan and save historic photos, newsletters, and records for future members.[10]
  • Plan a fall SARC in the Park or build event to keep the celebration going.[11]

Together, these ideas can turn one milestone into a full year of connection.

Preserving the Story for the Next 50 Years

Every club has stories. However, those stories can fade when no one saves them.

Therefore, the SARC 50th Anniversary gives the club a great reason to protect its history. Members can gather old newsletters, photos, minutes, callbooks, Field Day records, and personal memories.

Then, SARC can scan and store those items in a club-controlled archive. As a result, future members will be able to see where the club started, how it grew, and who helped build it.[12]

This project can also support future website articles, meeting programs, and Radio Hill Gazette features.

A Celebration for Every Member

This anniversary belongs to everyone in SARC. It belongs to the founding members who helped start the club. It belongs to the longtime operators who kept it going. Also, it belongs to new members who will carry it forward.

Every member can take part. For example, members can:

  • Share a favorite SARC memory
  • Add old photos
  • Invite a friend to a meeting
  • Help at Field Day
  • Mentor a newer ham
  • Wear anniversary gear
  • Support public-service events

Most of all, members can keep doing what SARC has always done best: get on the air, help others, and make radio fun.

Looking Ahead

The SARC 50th Anniversary gives the club a chance to look back with pride. Yet it also points forward.

Amateur radio keeps changing. New tools, new modes, and new operators continue to shape the hobby. Still, the heart of SARC remains the same: people helping people connect.[13]

So, let’s celebrate 50 years of SARC with energy, gratitude, and purpose.

Then, let’s build the next 50 years together.

References

  1. “ARRL Clubs — Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club.” ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/schaumburg-amateur-radio-club ↩
  2. “Membership.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/info/membership/ ↩
  3. “Activities.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/ ↩
  4. “47 CFR § 97.1 — Basis and purpose.” Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.1 ↩
  5. “Public Service.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/public-service/ ↩
  6. “Field Day.” ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.arrl.org/field-day; “Field Day 2026.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/field-day-2026/ ↩
  7. “Village Recognition.” Village of Schaumburg, Illinois. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.villageofschaumburg.com/i-want-to/request/village-recognition ↩
  8. “Special Event Call Signs.” ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.arrl.org/special-event-call-signs ↩
  9. “Radio Hill Gazette.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/category/news/rhg/ ↩
  10. “Digitization of Federal Records.” National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/policy/digitization ↩
  11. “Activities.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/ ↩
  12. “What are shared drives?” Google Workspace Learning Center. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/7212025; “Digitization of Federal Records.” National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/policy/digitization ↩
  13. “47 CFR § 97.1 — Basis and purpose.” Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed June 20, 2026. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.1 ↩