Next Meeting: December 11th at 6:30 PM
Join us at the Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Center for our
monthly meeting on December 11th at 6:30 PM. The club remains a bit stagnant with
nothing much happening lately, so let’s change that—bring fresh ideas for activities like
digital workshops, antenna projects, or casual get-togethers to spark some energy! At our
November meeting, we had a nomination for president: Russ (KF0JOU). We’ll continue
nominations and hold elections if ready. Bring your thoughts or questions. New
members and visitors are always welcome!
October Nets Recap
Our October nets had 24 check-ins across four Sunday sessions—a decent
showing, but room to grow! Join us every Sunday at 6:30 PM on the repeater to connect
and practice. We always need net controls! It’s an easy way to help—contact Justin
(N0JBE) at JB@N0JBE.com to volunteer or get tips. Starting in January, we’ll roll out a
regular net control schedule to keep things steady.
ARES Update: Operators Needed and Nets Underway
We’re continuing to recruit for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) to
strengthen emergency comms in Cerro Gordo County. To join, complete the ARRL’s
basic training (on their site) and send proof to Justin (N0JBE) at JB@N0JBE.com—no
experience needed, we’ll train you! Our ARES nets are now running every Wednesday at
7:00 PM on the 147.315 repeater (DCS 047)—FM mode. The first Wednesday each
month is simplex on 147.570 MHz. Join to practice and stay ready!
APRS Basics: How It Works and Key Components
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) lets hams send real-time data like
positions, weather, or messages over radio, often with GPS for tracking—packets are
relayed and viewable on sites like aprs.fi. A digipeater receives and retransmits packets
to extend local range, while an iGate forwards them to the internet for worldwide access.
Interested in APRS for events or emergencies? Discuss at the next meeting—it’s a great
tech addition to your setup!
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!
Winter Field Day (WFD): January 24th–25th, 2026. A W0MCW event open to all
hams—prepare your winter portable setup. Details soon.
Solar Weather Outlook
October Recap: Solar activity in October was moderate, with sunspot numbers
around 105 and solar flux near 156 SFU, featuring occasional M-class flares and quiet
geomagnetic conditions supporting stable HF propagation.
November/December Outlook: As of November, 2025, activity is low with
sunspot number 74 and flux at 119 SFU; recent flares peaked at C1-class, with
geomagnetic Kp=3.67 (quiet) and solar wind ~452 km/sec. Forecasts: 15% M-class
flares, low storm risks (5-15% minor at mid-latitudes), with a coronal hole wind
possibly arriving Nov 26-27 for minor high-latitude disturbances. HF implications:
Quiet conditions favor stable higher bands (10m-20m) daytime, lower bands (40m-80m)
at night; Solar Cycle 25 near peak with declining cosmic rays. Check spaceweather.com
for updates and share QSOs on the net!
Station Spotlight:
submit your station to be featured in the next newsletter. This is your spot in the
newsletter to use as a show and tell!
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