ARESDEC

ARRL Colorado Section Monthly Net
2026-04-13 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-11 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-08 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-13 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-10 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-14 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-12 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-09 19:00 - 19:30 (America/Denver) and 39 more dates | CO
Monthly ARRL Section Net
Everyone is invited to check in and join the discussion!
This net is dedicated to all things related to amateur radio in Colorado, including updates from the ARRL. It’s the perfect place to announce ham fests, club activities, request assistance from fellow hams, and share anything of interest to the Colorado ham community. This net takes place every second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the repeater owners and clubs that host the Section Net. Please feel free to visit the websites of all the clubs that carry the Colorado Section Net. Additionally, we appreciate the Colorado Traffic League for allowing us to use their usual time slot on the Colorado Connection to host this net at 7 PM.
The net is carried on the following repeater systems:

WE0FUN Fun Machines Repeaters
Colorado Connection VHF Repeater System
Rocky Mountain Ham Radio Wide Talk Group 700
Northern Colorado ARC Buckhorn Repeaters
Mountain Amateur Radio Club Repeaters
Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club

Computer and digital modes:

Allstar – Node 28368
Echolink – *CANONCTY* 363976
DStar – XRF815B, XLX815B, DCS815B or REF815B
TGIF – DMR 815
YSF – US CO WE0FUN 53927
P25 – Talkgroup 10209
NXDN – Talkgroup 31081
M17 – 815B

The above information is found on the website link at https://colorado-arrl.us/arrl-section-net/

ARES SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training Workshop
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2027-04-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2028-04-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2029-04-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2030-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Jim Rooney N4JJR from the ARES R1D5 district will lead us in this workshop. The evening will be packed with information that will help protect you and your family during inclement weather. This is open to ARESDEC members.
At the workshop, you will learn:

Basics of thunderstorm development
Fundamentals of storm structure
Identifying potential severe weather features
How to contact NWS and submit a weather report to NWS
Basic severe weather safety.

Even if you have attended this event in past years, SKYWARN training is a great refresher of weather features we don’t see every day. This event kicks off the ARES R1D5 weather spotting season for severe weather within Douglas & Elbert Counties.

Near Vertical Incident Skywave (NVIS) 101 & 201 - Colorado ARES Section Wide Training
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
NVIS is an important mode for Colorado ARES, which can provide reliable communications in a three to five hundred mile radius without the use of repeaters. NVIS is not an antenna, but it is a propagation mode where antennas can be configured to optimize NVIS properties. Does that sound confusing? If so, you need to join us via Zoom to learn more about NVIS and why it is an important communications capability for Colorado ARES.
NVIS 101 & 201 training scheduled for Saturday, April 18th at 09:00 MDT. It is a two hour training event, delivered in two sessions, 101 followed by 201.
Meeting details will be shared with District ECs closer to the training date. Please contact your EC for more details.

Operation Cross Talk - Multi-State NVIS Exercise & Contest
2026-05-09 08:00 - 11:00 | CO
New for 2026, Operation Crosstalk is a three-hour long all NVIS exercise that encourages ARES members to get on the air and make as many NVIS contacts as possible using a defined set of exercise HF frequencies. This exercise is being conducted in cooperation with Wyoming ARES providing even more NVIS possible contacts.
How do you participate?
• Operate portable or from a fixed station during the event times on 40, 60, and 80 meters. All contacts must be regional between 0-500 miles.
• Using an NVIS optimized antenna, make as many contacts with other stations as possible. Provide a true signal report (57, 45, etc.) and exchange your 6-digit maidenhead grid square.
• Use your favorite logging software. Save all logs in .adi (ADIF) file format.
• Upload your log at the end of NVIS Day to https://coloradoares.org/operation-crosstalk-colorado-wyoming-ares-nvis-exercise-may-9-2026/
Certificates:
Each log submitted with 20 NVIS contacts or more will receive a .pdf certificate acknowledging successful participation in Operation Crosstalk 2026. An NVIS contact is defined as a contact between two stations that are more than 50 miles apart but are less than 500 miles from each other. A separate .pdf certificate will be awarded to the station submitting a log with the highest scored point value.
Frequencies and radio operations:
The primary operating mode is single sideband (SSB).
Transmit power is limited to 150w or less. 60 meter operation is limited to 100w ERP.
Exercise frequencies are based on the SSB frequencies listed in the ICS-217a forms for CO and WY ARES.
All frequencies are +/- 10 KHz.
80 Meters (MHz) 60 Meters (MHz) 40 Meters (MHz)
3.810.0 5.371.5 (Ch 3) * 7.235.0
3.923.5 5.403.5 (Ch 4) * 7.240.0
3.933.5 7.260.0
* Effective radiating power on these frequencies is limited to 100 watts. Antenna gain must be considered when estimating ERP.
Points:
Contacts logged 0 to 50 miles from your station are equal to 1 point.
Contacts logged from 50 to 500 miles from your station are equal to 2 points.
Contacts logged with stations 500 or more miles from your station are equal to 0 points.
Bonus Points:
Operate within 1000 feet of a city or county EOC for a 1 point bonus per contact.
Optional: Send a Winlink message to WY7AA via the WY7EOC-10 Winlink Post Office.
Winlink Post Office ID = WY7EOC-10 (Located in Cheyenne)
40m = 7.080.0 MHz
80m = 3.583.0 MHz
Logging:
To submit a log, upload an ADIF file from your favorite logging software to:
https://coloradoares.org/operation-crosstalk-colorado-wyoming-ares-nvis-exercise-may-9-2026/
A useful and free tool called ADIF Master is available for download at dxshell.com/adif-master.html. With ADIF Master you are able to edit and correct your ADIF logs.
If you do not have logging software to provide an ADIF log, you can find a logging form at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gpPrWa7lvHSqdLOd1ywkTYGmpBLZKp3?usp=drive_link
A spreadsheet or .pdf log can be submitted to wyoming.ares@gmail.com.
In your log, provide the following information:
• Your callsign used for the event
• Your 6-digit maidenhead grid square. Look up you grid square at https://zone-check.eu/
• Your radio model
• Your power output
• Your antenna setup including:
o Antenna type (dipole, inverted V, EFHW, vertical, etc.)
o Any key dimensions (height above ground, element lengths, etc.)
o Notable features, obstructions, limitations, outside noise elements, etc.
o Be as detailed as possible and include photos if available
o If you use more than one antenna configuration, please create a separate log for each individual antenna
For each contact please provide:
• Callsign received Six-digit Grid Square received
• Time (MDT) Signal Report received
• Band Signal Report sent
• Mode Any notes specific to the contact
If you can hear a station, but cannot make a contact with them, add them to your log and provide the RX signal report and enter “No Contact” in the Notes section.
Get out and operate and share this event with others. Go out as a solo operator, get together as a group, just get out and experiment with different antenna types (dipole, inverted-V, loop, etc.).
Keep notes and submit your results after the event for the After-Action Report so that we can learn from each other’s field experience.
We welcome any photos taken of your station, your antenna or your group from the event. The AAR will be shared with everyone that submits a log, and we will make the document public.
Direct questions to W6AUN@arrl.net or check the Colorado ARES website at https://coloradoares.org/operation-crosstalk-colorado-wyoming-ares-nvis-exercise-may-9-2026/
Most of all, have a safe and good time operating radio and Near Vertical Incidence Skywave!

Colorado ARES Upcoming Training - APRS: Unlocking Automatic Packet Reporting System
2026-10-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
This is an event you will not want to miss. Why? Because we all use it in Amateur Radio!

The Automatic Packet Report System (APRS) is an amateur radio capability used extensively by ARES and other groups to display the location of spotters, sweeps and other important event assets. APRS tracking was first developed in the 1980’s with several enhancements since. Did you know you can use APRS to send brief text messages to other stations?
Join us on October 17th at 9:00 AM for a two-hour training on APRS, how it works, what equipment you need, and what software to use. Also, Frank Watervoort, AB0WV will be featuring his APRS mapping Windows application called PinPoint APRS. Frank’s free APRS mapping application makes APRS an even more valuable tool for ARES operators.
In the meantime, please check out the PinPoint APRS website at pinpointaprs.com.
Our EC will distribute the Zoom link when we get closer to the event. For questions, please reach out to Training@aresdec.org.

ARESDEC New Member Training - Fall Class
2026-11-07 09:00 - 13:00, 2027-11-06 09:00 - 13:00, 2028-11-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2029-11-03 09:00 - 13:00, 2030-11-02 09:00 - 13:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Welcome all new ARES members wanting to be part of our Team!
With a heart to serve others, you are joining a team of professionals who love the hobby of amateur radio and have a desire to serve others. ARESDEC is a very well respected organization within Douglas and Elbert Counties. It is a privilege and honor to serve with a great group of individuals. We are glad you are here!
By attending New Member Training, you will gain valuable training and information, including:

Learn what ARES of Douglas & Elbert Counties (ARESDEC) is and does
Learn which agencies we serve and how we serve them
Identify the events we support during the year
Deployment standards, best practices and preparations needed
Learn about our Winter Operations and preparations needed to serve in a Shelter.
Learn about the frequency list, training available throughout the year, and what is expected of our members.

The day will finish with a hands-on radio exercise (time permitting). Bring your hand held (HT) radio programmed to the correct frequencies, and if you don’t have your radio yet, no problem, we’ll provide one for use during the exercise. Need a refresher? All members of ARES R1D5 are invited to participate in the training course as well.
Come, join us. We will meet in Room 144 in the lower level of the building.
If any questions, please reach out to Training@aresdec.org.

Radio Firmware & Code Plug Update Workshop
2027-02-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2028-02-19 09:00 - 12:00, 2029-02-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2030-02-16 09:00 - 12:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Each Spring, ARES R1D5 members assemble together on a Saturday to help each other update radio firmware, update code plugs and troubleshoot any radio issues in an effort to get our radios ready for the coming busy season of planned events and (potentially) unplanned activations. We also share tips and techniques to improve our experience in the hobby.
We usually begin the morning at 0900 with a presentation on a radio topic of interest to the group. Afterwards, we break into separate rooms based on radio model to update code plugs, firmware and troubleshoot our radios. We will have Elmers standing by to assist as needed.
So mark your calendar and bring your HT / mobile radio to the workshop. Hopefully you’ll leave with a radio that is ready for the upcoming season of events.
We will meet in the Youth Room 144 in the lower level.
If you are willing to be an Elmer during one of these DMR workshops, please reach out to Training@aresdec.org.

Pictures taken at the February 2024 Winlink workshop – It was VERY, VERY cold!!

ARESDEC New Member Training - Spring Class
2027-03-13 09:00 - 13:00, 2028-03-11 09:00 - 13:00, 2029-03-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2030-03-09 09:00 - 13:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States

Winlink "Hands On" Saturday Workshop
2027-04-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2028-04-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2029-04-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2030-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Winlink Hands-On Workshop
How would you like to have some radio fun, try some new things, and not have to give up a whole day to do it? Did you know Winlink is a critical tool in the ARES R1D5 member toolbox. So, what better way to “sharpen the saw” than getting together, having some fun, sharing knowledge, enjoying some donuts and building some great comradery?
Mark your calendars for our annual Winlink Hands-On Workshop. This workshop is an opportunity to setup your radio equipment, antenna and use Winlink to communicate messages to remote destinations. We will be testing our equipment to ensure software is configured correctly, radios are tuned and we can connect with other stations to send messages.
We will be using different protocols like Telnet, VARA FM, VARA HF, Packet and even peer-to-peer.
If you are new to Winlink or haven’t tried Winlink before, please come, get some hands on experience and see how easy it is.

All are welcome to participate. For more information, please contact Training@aresdec.org

February 2024 Winlink workshop in very cold weather. Various ARESDEC members working together to send Winlink messages using different protocols.
