ARESDEC

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
2026-12-07

ARES VHF Net 2000
2026-12-06 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-29 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-22 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-15 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-08 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-01 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-25 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-18 20:00 - 20:30 (America/Denver) and 44 more dates
Statewide ARES voice Nets are held each Sunday. At 2000 hours the VHF Net meets on the Colorado Connection system of repeaters. In the Denver area the Connection is found on 145.310 MHz. and an 88.5 Hz tone is required.
Come join us!

ARES HF SSB Net 0800
2026-12-06 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-11-29 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-11-22 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-11-15 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-11-08 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-11-01 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-10-25 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-10-18 08:00 - 08:30 and 43 more dates
Colorado statewide ARES Voice Nets are held each Sunday. The HF single sideband Net meets at 0800 hours on 3810 KHz.
Please join us.

ARESDEC Weekly Net
2026-12-03 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-05 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-01 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-03 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-06 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-02 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-04 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-07 20:00 - 20:30 and 3 more dates
Weekly Nets

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net.

ARESDEC Weekly Net Cancelled
2026-11-26 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-22 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-24 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-27 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-23 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-28 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-23 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-26 20:00 - 20:30 and 3 more dates
There is no Weekly Net on the 4th Thursday of each month if ARESDEC is sponsoring a monthly Face-to-Face meeting or if a holiday falls on the 4th Thursday.

Face-to-Face Cancelled due to Thanksgiving Holiday
2026-11-26 19:00 - 21:00
Face-to-Face cancelled due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K Run
2026-11-26 07:30 - 12:00 | Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
A public service/camaraderie Thanksgiving morning event where ARES R1D5 provides communications support to event staff via observers primarily using HTs on a Simplex frequency. We provide situational awareness for the event participants and event staff to ensure a safe and fun event for all participants. Historically, proceeds have gone to the Douglas County Fallen Officer’s fund.
Objective(s):

Safely and effectively provide communications support and incident awareness to the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K event supporting the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund.
Establish and Maintain an ARESDEC ICP to serve as an effective Incident Communication Center using Amateur Radio to maintain situational awareness and aid event management with regard to problems on the course involving incidents, accidents, or injuries.
Coordinate with law and other first responders as warranted. Maintain public safety communications to DCSO elements providing traffic control for the event.
Maintain ARESDEC personnel accountability via pre-event Check-in, Roll Calls, and Demobilization reporting when returning to their home QTH (or other planned destination).

After working up an appetite, everyone will get to enjoy their favorite Thanksgiving festivities including family, friends and food. Maybe sneak a nap and watch some football!

Thanksgiving Day
2026-11-26

Amateur Radio License Testing
2026-11-21 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-10-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-26 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 11:00 and 3 more dates | FD – Pradera Fire Station, 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Sponsor: ARESDEC VEC team via W5YI-VEC
2026 Saturday Test Dates:

Jan 24
Feb 28
Mar 28
Apr 25
May 23
Jun 20
Jul 18
Aug 29
Sep 26
Oct 24
Nov 21
Dec 19

Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Pradera Fire Station (aka Franktown Fire Protection District Station 184), 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO 80134
Contact: ve@aresdec.org
Registration Options:

Send an e-mail to ve@aresdec.org and a registration link will be sent to you for the specific session you’re interested in.
Visit https://hamstudy.org/sessions/K8ZTT/all to complete your registration online.

On the application, you will be asked to answer the “Basic Qualification Question” which says, “Has the Applicant or any party to this application, or any party directly or indirectly controlling the Applicant, ever been convicted of a felony by any state or federal court?” Whether you answer “yes” or “no”, you may continue to take the test; however, if you answer, “yes”, you will need to follow the special instructions regarding the disposition of your case.

To take a FCC exam, you must do or/and bring the following:
1. MANDATORY BEFORE THE EXAM – FCC Registration Number (FRN). Examinees are required by the FCC to submit your FRN with your license application form. New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned an FRN which will be used in all license transactions with the FCC. For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the CORES Registration page and the FCC’s Registration instructions Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.

2. One legal photo ID (identification):

State Driver’s License
Government issued Passport
Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
Student School Photo ID card
State Photo ID card

3. If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:

Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
Social security card
Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
School ID card
School or Public Library card
Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on Form 605.

4. Students/minors without a photo ID need to bring only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID; otherwise, two non-photo IDs are required.
5. Original and one photocopy of CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam) toward the next class license, if any. ***The CSCE is only needed if testing before a license issue or update is not reflected in FCC Database.
6. The 2026 fee is $14.00. Cash is preferred; check or credit card “may be accepted” in extreme circumstances. Credit cards may not always be accepted. The examination fee allows an examinee to take one test of each element. Element “retakes” are allowed for an additional payment of $14.00.
7. Optional Supplies – pen, pencil, eraser, calculator. Only calculators without memory and programming or with proof of memory and programming cleared are allowed. Calculators must be “stand-alone”; that is, not an “app” on a phone or tablet. You will have access to a calculator on the PC that will be provided to you for purposes of taking your exam. You may also request scratch paper in the exam; do not bring your own scratch paper.

ARESDEC Weekly Net
2026-11-19 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-12 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-29 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-15 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-08 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-17 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-10 20:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-20 20:00 - 20:30 and 19 more dates
Weekly Nets

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net

NA0TC TechFest - by 285 TechConnect Radio Club
2026-11-14 08:00 - 15:00 | Bridge Church – Lakewood CO, 3101 S Kipling St, Lakewood, CO, 80227, United States
The 285 TechConnect Radio Club presents an annual TechFest in November, a club tradition since 2006. The TechFest has 5 hours of presentations on technical topics related to amateur radio, plus a “demo corner” where club members show off some of their operating technology, and a “free table” with donated items free for the taking.
Payment methods accepted at the door: Cash, Check, Zelle.

Veterans Day
2026-11-11

ARRL Colorado Section Monthly Net
2026-11-09 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-12 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-14 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-10 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-13 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-08 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-11 19:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-13 19:00 - 19:30 and 3 more dates
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/

ARESDEC New Member Training - Fall Class
2026-11-07 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.

Monthly Staff Meeting
2026-11-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-10-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-04 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-02 18:30 - 20:30 and 2 more dates | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Monthly ARES R1D5 Staff Meeting held in person and online via Microsoft Teams. Link to Microsoft Teams will be provided before each Staff meeting. In-Person location will remain the same each month unless advised otherwise.

Halloween
2026-10-31

Colorado State ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
2026-10-24 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
ARRL’s annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for Colorado is usually scheduled toward the end of October each year. This nationwide exercise is the chance to test personal emergency-operating skills and the readiness of communications equipment and accessories in a simulated emergency-like deployment. The ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service ® (ARES®), the National Traffic System (NTS), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), SKYWARN, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and other allied groups and public-service oriented radio amateurs are among those who are eligible to participate in the simulated exercise and to practice emergency operation plans, nets and procedures.
This year the Colorado ARES Section will organize a coordinated communications exercise for all Colorado regions and districts. The scenario and injects will be a combination of both state and local level variety. The annual exercise promises to test our radio skills and equipment abilities. We may operate from our served agency’s EOC and Hospital’s Emergency Radio room and include participants operating from their home QTH.
We will be using a combination of tools including Winlink (different modes), HF, VHF/UHF, NVIS, SSB, etc.
It’s a great opportunity to participate as if it were the real thing! Time and duration of the event TBD.
Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the date! Please contact Training@aresdec.org for more details or to participate.

Face-to-Face: Winter Operations
2026-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Our October Face-to-Face meeting focuses on the important components of Winter Operations and preparing for potential activations during the winter months to support Douglas County OEM and/or Elbert County OEM shelter activations.
The presentation will be led by our OPERATIONS team who will present content about Winter Missions/Activation, Readiness (including vehicle prep), Winter Travel Advisories, Cold Weather Hazards (Frostbite/Hypothermia), Shelter Operations (including Red Cross and Communications Sukpport)…and finally Demobilization.
There will be some hands-on demonstrations of items that should be carried by our team members in their winter go-kits. Come and get prepared!
Please contact Training@aresdec.org if you have any questions.

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.

Columbus Day
2026-10-12

Face-to-Face: Your Ham Shack: Installing Coax Panel and Grounding Considerations
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Have you thought about building a Ham Shack at your QTH? What goes into building one properly and using proper grounding practices?
Brad W0BDT completed a project with his QTH and documented his story. He will share with us a step-by-step guide to how he installed his coax panel and related grounding. He will share with us what his experiences were and what considerations we should consider when undertaking a similar project. He’ll also share with us how he setup his shack to properly manage exterior antennas. It will be worth your time!
All interested amateur radio operators – or those interested in becoming amateur radio operators are welcome to attend the Face-to-Face meeting. Please come and join us.
For more information, please contact us at Training@aresdec.org.

Douglas County AuxComm Fall All-Hands Meeting
2026-09-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
ARES R1D5 members and the Douglas County (DC) OEM staff will meet in the Spring and Fall each year for AuxComm training. The meeting is held at the DC County EOC. Meeting time is 1830 – 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to become better acquainted with EOC processes and procedures, discuss any changes within the EOC since the last time we met and anything needed to be prepared to support activations in the EOC.
W6AUN will facilitate the meeting. Stay tuned for more details.

Fall Poker Run
2026-09-13 07:00 - 17:00 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycles (no ATV’s) and riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand you draw at the final check point. The Fall Poker Run is not a race, it is an EVENT!
This is a non-competitive event and the 5 prizes awarded for each course are based on the rider’s luck in drawing one of the five highest winning poker hands consisting of five (short course) or seven (long course) total cards at the final checkpoint. It’s truly a wonderful experience.
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. ARESDEC members should expect to provide APRS/LoRa tracking, checkpoint communications, Forward Observer (FOB), observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing. We coordinate with Douglas County Search & Rescue (DCSAR) for their services if needed on the course.
ARES R1D5 Members can contact Training@aresdec.org or staff@aresdec.org if you have questions, suggestions or concerns. We look forward to working with the event sponsor and partners for a successful event!
Background: The Rampart Range Fall Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/

Heroes Gala - Douglas County Community Foundation
2026-09-12 17:30 - 23:00 | Centennial Airport-Signature Aviation South Jet Hangar, 8123 S. Interport Blvd., Englewood, CO, 80112, United States
ARESDEC is honored to participate in the Douglas County Community Foundation’s (DCCF) Heroes Gala at Centennial Airport. The Heroes Gala is the DCCF’s annual signature event that honors Douglas County first responders, Armed Forces members, and non-profit partner organizations supporting these brave heroes. It is an unforgettable night of inspiration and celebration helping raise funds for DCCF and the Community Emergency Relief Fund, which can quickly be accessed and distributed to provide direct assistance to our community, non profit partners, and first responders during catastrophic events affecting Douglas County.
ABOUT ARESDEC:
ARESDEC or Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Douglas and Elbert Counties is an all-volunteer public service organization, consisting of licensed and trained Amateur Radio operators who provide communications for community events and in times of emergency. We are one of 28 ARES districts in the state of Colorado serving Douglas and Elbert Counties.
For more than 30 years, ARESDEC has been serving our community in times of emergency and disaster by providing volunteer communications services to public safety agencies and support organizations (i.e., American Red Cross and Salvation Army). We are a service organization comprised of amateur radio operators who donate our time, equipment, and expertise. We train our members to use best communications practices to effectively assist our served agencies.
We are honored to participate in this signature event each year.
For more information about ARESDEC, please contact us at PIO@aresdec.org.

ARESDEC Staff at Heroes Gala 2025 with Mobile Communications Center and Portable Radio Setup
Wade (K0WJF), Perry (W6AUN), Dick K8ZTT), Alex (W0AJO), Peter (W0OW), Peter (KC0FJA)

9/11 Remembrance Day
2026-09-11

Monthly Staff Meeting
2026-09-08 18:30 - 20:30 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
September ARES R1D5 Staff Meeting will NOT be held in person. It will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Link to Microsoft Teams will be provided before each Staff meeting.

Labor Day
2026-09-07

Mad Gravel Race
2026-09-06 07:00 - 17:00 | Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, 22799 Elbert Rd., Elbert, CO, 80106, United States
Elbert County is where you want to be to celebrate the Sunday of Labor Day weekend this year!

Located in Kiowa, Colorado, the Mad Gravel Race is a series of events that are held over the Labor Day weekend each year. ARESDEC is proud to provide communications support for Elbert County OEM and the event sponsor. There are three races of different distances, described below.

Hemi Hustle: 30 miles

At 30 miles, the Hemi Hustle is the best route for those that want a great sampling of the region while still enjoying the unique roads and views of Elbert County. On 100% gravel roads, this amazing course delivers the Hemi experience in a condensed form. While you get a custom number plate, it is not a competitive event. This is the shortest route, but know you still will conquer a very challenging course.

Hemi Five-O: 50 miles

At a hefty 50 miles, Hemi Five-O is slightly less sadistic than its parent. Plenty of mileage while still enjoying an epic tour of the eastern plains. Prepare yourself for some awe-inspiring moments while you take in a great panorama of Colorado’s high peaks. Pikes Peak alone is stunning in late spring with its snow-capped summit. Fully supported with an aid station in the middle so you can pack light.

Hemi: 100 miles

100 miles of pure bliss. The Hemi will cover over 6400 feet of climbing while topping out at 7300 ft. This course is a perfect blend of all the killer gravel roads in Elbert County. While you’ll get wide open power sections, expect some climbing that will test the legs over this distance. Wind in May east of the Colorado front range? Yeah it’s likely. 3 aid stations to serve your hydration and nutritional needs.

Mad Gravel and Rattler Racing have combined efforts with the Junior Cycling Project, a Colorado non-profit charitable organization to create this event. Together, they work to expand on the shared mission of getting juniors on bikes, introduce new cycling opportunities, and work with like minded non-profits to get bikes in the hands of those juniors in need. By working and partnering with the community, they advance the cause of supporting junior riders and give them the resources and avenues to help them grow. After all, they are the future of the sport!.
ARESDEC is proud to provide communications support to this important event and the community that supports them!

Wyoming HamCon - Rocky Mountain Division Ham Convention - Casper, Wyoming
2026-08-28 - 2026-08-30 | Best Western Downtown Casper, WY, 123 West E Street, Casper, WY, 82601, United States
Wyoming HamCon is the 2026 iteration of the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention being held at the Best Western Hotel and Convention Center in Casper, Wyoming. There will be lots of Amateur Radio related activities throughout the three days with forums, and great guest speakers. It’s your opportunity to support Amateur Radio in our community!
Keynote Speaker
The Keynote Speaker for the Saturday Evening Banquet will be Rick Roderick, K5UR, the President of the ARRL.
Banquet tickets can purchased in our registration system.
Convention Dates: August 28-30, 2026
Early Bird registration deadline has been extended to June 30th. Sign up now!
Location: Best Western Hotel and Convention Center
123 West E Street
Casper, Wyoming 8260
Phone: 1-800-568-8520
Hotel Information: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.51075.html?groupId=C24UI6K6
For more event details: https://wyohamcon.org/

Face-to-Face: Importance of Situational Awareness
2026-08-27 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
What is Situational Awareness? Situational awareness or situation awareness, often abbreviated as SA is the understanding of an environment, its elements, and how it changes with respect to time or other factors. It is also defined as the perception of the elements in the environment considering time and space, the understanding of their meaning, and the prediction of their status in the near future.
Situation awareness is recognized as a critical foundation for successful decision making in many situations, including the ones which involve the protection of human life and property, such as law enforcement and emergency responses.
Do we as individuals need to be situationally aware during an ARESDEC event? Does this topic sound boring to you? It shouldn’t because Situational Awareness can save your life.
Join us at our Face-to-Face meeting where we will learn the pillars of the Combat Hunter program developed by the U.S. Marines War Laboratory in response to the staggering loss of American lives during the first years of the Iraqi and Afghanistan conflicts. Learn what it means to be “Left of Bang” and why doing so can and has saved lives.
Presenter: Perry W6AUN
For more information, please contact Training@aresdec.org.

Huntsville Hamfest & ARRL National Convention
2026-08-23 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-22 09:00 - 16:30 | Huntsville Hamfest – 22 Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801, United States
Welcome to Hamfest 2026!
Ticket Sales, Commercial & Flea Market registrations are all open. Hotel reservation links are open too for booking your stay in Huntsville.
For the first time since 2007, we will again host the ARRL National Convention. The League will have an increased presence with several representatives from HQ.
Forum scheduling will also grow this year with an additional room at the Embassy Suites.
Come join us August 22-23 in the air-conditioned South Hall of the Von Braun Center for fun, friendship, education, shopping for new & old, and more.
For more information: Website address: https://hamfest.org

Mailing Address:
Huntsville Hamfest Association, Inc.
PO Box 12534
Huntsville, AL 35801
Email: info@hamfest.org

Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association Megafest 2026
2026-07-25 08:00 - 13:00 | Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Rd, Monument, CO, 80132, United States
Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Radio Association presents its 2026 MEGAFEST!

Here’s a hamfest that is less than a 30 minute drive for most of us on a Saturday. How perfect is that?
Date: July 25, 2026
Time: 0800 to 1300 (ticket sales begin at 0730)
Location: Lewis-Palmer High School
Address: 1300 Higby Road
Monument, CO 80132
For more information, visit https://ppraa.org/megafest
Directions:
Just East of I-25, Exit 161 from the north, Exit 158 from the south.
Google Maps Link: https://tinyurl.com/Megafest2026
What3Words: https://w3w.co/supplement.outings.hockey
License Testing at 10:00 AM – FREE testing, NO Fee
Drawings !!! Prizes !!!

Grand Prize: Lab599 Discovery TX-500 Transceiver w/case
Raffle Tickets: $1.00 each, 6 for $5.00,
15 for $10.00 or 40 for $20.00

covers 160−6 meters amateur radio bands, all modes, with a maximum power output of 10 W

Raffle License 2026-20853
Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association, Inc.
PO Box 16521, Colorado Springs, CO 80935

Ticket Sales are available only via in-person purchases.
Winning ticket numbers will be posted on the ppraa.org/megafest website within 24 hours of the drawing and will be available there for 30 days after.
Contact 719-271-2961 for any questions.

Second Prize: Icom ID-52A Plus Anniversary Special Edition

Multi-Function D-STAR Dual Band HT

Prize: Yaesu FTM-500 DR

50W C4FM/FM 144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Mobile Transceiver

Prize: openSPOT4 Pro Portable Digital Radio Internet Gateway (hotspot)
Generously donated by Cheyenne Mountain Repeater Group, Inc

battery powered, portable, standalone digital radio internet gateway

Prize: Raspberry Pi Ultimate Radio Build Kit

assortment of Raspberry Pi components

Prize: Powerwerx PWRbox-20

portable power station

Prize: Milwaukee Packout Rolling Case set

portable rolling cases

Prize: Powerwerx PWRbox-10

MINI Portable Power Box Series w/ 10Ah LifePO4 Battery Installed & 2A wall charger

Prize: HRO SOTA POTA 150 Antenna

Lightweight Antenna System perfect for Portable Operations

Prize: YAESU VX-6R

ultra-rugged 144-430 MHz FM Hand-Held

Prize: MFJ-945E Tuner

Tuner, HF+6M Mobile, 300W, WITH Antenna Bypass Switch

Prize: MFJ-4128 Switching Power Supply

output of 28 Amps maximum and 25 Amps continuously at 13.8 VDC

Prize: Powerwerx PowerpoleCase

PowerPole Crimping Tool + 150 Assorted 15 / 30 / 45 Amp Powerpoles In A Custom Nylon Gear Bag

Drawing at 1300 (1:00 PM) July 25, 2026
Winners Need NOT Be Present To Win Raffle Prizes
ALSO: Hourly Door Prize Drawings
Winners MUST Be Present To Win Door Prizes

Elbert County Fair & Rodeo
2026-07-25 - 2026-08-02 | Elbert County Fairground, 95 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO, 80117, United States
The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides the request for County Fair ARES® support to provide situational awareness, weather monitoring and reporting, staff coordination, and onsite safety. We will work from an on-site Safety Station, monitor radio communications, and relay traffic as directed by Elbert County Fair Board Leadership. We will again be using DTRS (public safety radios) and those R1D5 members with Elbert County EOC training are highly desired, but not required, for this event.
RADOs needed to cover the entire event.
Event website: https://www.elbertcountyfair.com/

Face-to-Face Meeting: BCARES Analog/Digital TV Demonstration
2026-07-23 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
We have a really great program planned for the July Face-to-Face meeting. This is one you WON’T want to miss!!

Allen K0ARK, BCARES E.C. will lead off with the use of ATV for ARES. There will be lots of relevant operational ATV gear for ARES deployment which will be on display. He will also cover the unique relationship that BCARES has with the Boulder County Sheriff, Police and fire departments.
BCARES use of ATV for ARES dates way back to 1990 when the Boulder Sheriff approached BCARES and asked them to provide TV coverage of major events. It even included them creating a sub-group of BCARES members becoming members of the Sheriff’s SWAT team to provide on-site live video feeds to the SWAT mobile command post. Both Allen and I were members of the SWAT for many years.
Jim KH6HTV will then follow-up with the technical details of High Definition Digital Television. The emphasis will be on what equipment is available today for hams (at reasonable costs) for both a simple DATV station of transmitter and receiver plus camera and video monitor. And how it is useful both at home, mobile and portable pack set. A working display of such equipment will be on display.
Jim will also cover DATV repeaters and their design, etc. At present BCARES has one wide area coverage DATV repeater in Boulder. In addition, BCARES received a grant from Boulder County of $30K to improve its communications network. BCARES recently purchased two new 70cm DATV repeaters to enhance mountain coverage. They are still working on finding permanent homes for these new repeaters. BCARES also has a 3rd, portable 70cm DATV repeater to be deployed as needed.
Q&A session at the end of the presentation.
We look forward to seeing you in July. Come and join us! All are welcome to join our Face-to-Face meetings.
For more information, please contact us at Training@aresdec.org.

Colorado ARES Statewide ARES ATV Training: Improving Situational Awareness for First Responders
2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00
What is ATV? In the ham radio world ATV means Amateur Television, which is a capability we can use to improve situational awareness for first responders and emergency managers.

Join us Saturday, July 18th for our next section wide ARES training – Amateur Television (ATV) for Improved Situational Awareness.

This two hour ONLINE training event starts at 9:00 AM MDT, and will be presented by the ATV team of Boulder and Broomfield County ARES (BCARES). BCARES has been using ATV for many years to provide their served agencies with improved situational awareness. They are now using second generation ATV gear and have embraced digital ATV.

In this training you will learn about the RF, video codec, and camera equipment that BCARES deploys and hear about their experiences using ATV to support the mission of their served agencies.

Zoom meeting details will be provided when we get closer to our scheduled training. Please contact your District EC for the online link to the training.

For questions, please reach out to W6AUN@arrl.net.

Independence Day
2026-07-04

Annual ARRL Field Day
2026-06-26 12:00 - 2026-06-28 12:00 | Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The event called Field Day, encourages hams to set up antennas and radios outdoors in the “Field” and make as many radio contacts with other hams as is possible in a 24-hour period.
The purpose of Field Day is to simulate a national level disaster where normal communications infrastructure is impacted over a wide area. Hams, also known as amateur radio operators, have a long history of providing communications during local and national emergencies and disasters. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) of Douglas and Elbert Counties has organized a Field Day location in the Parker area.
Setup begins at 12:00 PM on Friday. The actual start of official Field Day activities/communications begins at 12:00 PM on Saturday and continues non-stop for 24 hours until 12:00 PM on Sunday.
ARES of Douglas and Elbert Counties will be making amateur radio contacts from a Field Day location in Parker, Colorado. The public is invited to come and check us out! Come and see what ham radio is all about.
Please contact us at Training@aresdec.org for more information about location and to request to participate.
Peter, W0OW (left) and Bill, KF0CWS (right).

Face-to-Face Meeting Cancelled Due to Field Day Activities
2026-06-25 19:00 - 21:00
June Face-to-Face will not be held this month due to Field Day events

Spring Poker Run
2026-06-21 07:00 - 17:00 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycles (no ATV’s) and riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand you draw at the final check point. The Spring Poker Run is not a race, it is an EVENT!
This is a non-competitive event and the 5 prizes awarded for each course are based on the rider’s luck in drawing one of the five highest winning poker hands consisting of five (short course) or seven (long course) total cards at the final checkpoint. It’s truly a wonderful experience.
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. ARESDEC members should expect to provide APRS/LoRa tracking, checkpoint communications, Forward Observer (FOB), observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing. We coordinate with Douglas County Search & Rescue (DCSAR) for their services if needed on the course.
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/

Father's Day
2026-06-21

The Hundo 2026 - Bailey, CO - in Partnership with Colorado ARES
2026-06-13 07:00 - 17:00 | Hundo Event, 2278 County Road 68, Bailey, CO, 80421, United States
ARESDEC is excited to announce a new addition to our 2026 event calendar: The HUNDO, a 100K/64K mountain bike race held in Bailey, Colorado. This is a first for our organization, and we are proud to be partnering with neighboring ARES districts to make it happen.
The event organizers are already familiar with how ARESDEC operates from our work at the Spring and Fall Poker Runs — they know what we bring to the table, and they want us there. Our communications support is a key part of how they plan to run a safe event.
Our mission on June 13:

Provide reliable communications throughout the race course and support area — our primary mission
Staff the Start/Finish line with our Mission Control Center (MCC)
Staff all 4 Aid Stations along the course
Track SAG vehicles, Rover(s), and EMTs using LoRa for real-time positional awareness
Coordinate directly with the Event Team and local Emergency Services
Support the on-site EMTs and serve as the communications backbone for the race
Like the Poker Run, the terrain makes this an excellent real-world stress test for off-grid communications equipment — bring your go-kit and put it to work

This is exactly the kind of high-visibility, high-impact event that demonstrates what amateur radio emergency communications can do for our communities.
Camping is available on-site — this is a great opportunity to make a weekend of it with fellow operators.
We need reliable operators who can commit to the full event day. If you’ve supported the Poker Run, you know the tempo. If this is your first ARESDEC event, this is a strong one to start with.
To sign-up or for questions, please contact Michael KF0PAY@aresdec.org.

Elizabeth Stampede
2026-06-04 - 2026-06-07 | Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth, 4189 CO-86, Elizabeth, CO, 80107, United States
The first annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo was held at the end of May 1966. As a PRCA sanctioned rodeo since 1988, the Elizabeth Stampede has established itself as one of the best regional rodeos with the Mountain States Circuit.
Held in Casey Jones Park each year in June, the community from the surrounding areas within Elbert County and beyond come to celebrate the 4 days of events which include:

Nightly PRCA Rodeo
Parade along Main Street
Rodeo Barrel races
Concerts
Great food
and a whole bunch more!

ARESDEC is a proud partner with the Elizabeth Stampede and will provide Elbert County OEM and Stampede event staff with communications support for situational awareness, weather monitoring and reporting, medical incident reporting, assisting law enforcement and fire dispatch with communications support as needed.
We look forward to working together with the community and event organizers.

Face-to-Face: Field Day Update & PinPoint APRS Software Enhancements
2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Summer is almost here and that means that our ARRL Field Day is just around the corner.
At our May Face-to-Face meeting, we will have 2 items on our program:

1) Field Day MC’s will give an update on Field Day planning committee activities.
2) We’ll also have an in-depth look at PinPoint APRS by the application’s author, Frank Watervoort, AB0WV. History, configuring it, capabilities, future developments, etc. He’s got some recent enhancements you’ll want to see!

What is PinPoint?
PinPoint is free software that allows you to visually track and communicate with people using Amateur Radio (”Ham Radio”) equipment. During an emergency, it can be used as a location aware tactical communications tool. It is mostly used as a tool for tracking people and assets on a map, although it is capable of so much more.
During, for instance, a weather spotting event, an incident commander could visually track where spotters are deployed in the field, and direct them away from approaching weather using an area map on a computer screen.
This training is primarily focused on the PinPoint APRS application and if you want a more in-depth understanding of APRS itself prior to attending this event, please feel free to watch this recommended YouTube video.
Pinpoint was featured in the September 2018 issue of ARRL QST magazine.
More information about PinPoint APRS software can be found at https://pinpointaprs.com/.
See you at the meeting! For more information about the event, please contact Training@aresdec.org.

Memorial Day
2026-05-25

Dayton Hamvention 2026
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Greene County Fair and Expo Center, 210 Fairground Road, Xenia, OH, 45385, United States
Have you been to Hamvention before?

Hamvention 2026 is an upcoming amateur radio convention, scheduled to take place from May 15 to May 17, 2026. It will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. This event is one of the largest gatherings for amateur radio enthusiasts in the world.
Key Details
Dates and Location

Date
Time
Location

May 15, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia, Ohio

May 16, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia, Ohio

May 17, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia, Ohio

Activities and Features

Exhibits: Indoor commercial exhibits featuring major amateur equipment manufacturers and smaller vendors.
Flea Market: An outdoor area for buying and selling radio parts, equipment, and accessories.
Forums and Classes: Multiple tracks of forums and demonstrations covering various aspects of amateur radio.

Attendance
Hamvention typically attracts over 30,000 attendees from around the globe, making it a significant event for networking and learning within the amateur radio community.

Talk In
For directions and assistance in the Dayton Area during your visit to Hamvention®, contact “Talk-In” on the DARA Repeater 146.94 (-), alternate 146.985 (-) -123.0 PL. The talk in crew will have up to date information on traffic conditions and parking and will be able to provide re-routing directions if needed. Talk In will be on the air starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday and at 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to listen.
There will also be a station offering traffic bulletins on 145.525.
Dayton Hams also monitor 223.94 (-)and 442.1 (+). MIDCARS will again monitor and provide travel assistance on 7.258 MHz. For the latest traffic conditions from the state visit http://www.ohgo.com/
For More Information
For more information, including ticket sales and vendor opportunities, visit the official Hamvention website at https://hamvention.org/

Get Hamvention Alerts – text: Hamvention to 888777

Mother's Day
2026-05-10

Operation Cross Talk - Multi-State NVIS Exercise & Contest
2026-05-09 08:00 - 11:00
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!

MCT Setup/Takedown Event
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Come help us setup the new Mobile Command Trailer with the accompanying large tent and get familiar with the onboard generator and other equipment. We’ll also setup the Mobile Command Center (if available) and enable all interested individuals to get a refresher on the various technologies in the MCC and how they all work together. This is important! Especially for those Mission Coordinators who are planning our major events this such as Spring/Fall Poker Run, Mad Gravel and Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K.
We’ll meet in the lower level parking lot behind the church building. We’ll meet at 0900 until we are done.
All are welcome to join us.
ARESDEC Mobile Command Tent Trailer

ARESDEC MCC (Mission Communication Center)
Inside ARESDEC MCC during a planned event,.

Build Something Cool! An Electronics Project
2026-04-25 13:00 - 16:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Attention ARESDEC members
Walt AB0VZ will be leading an educational electronics project for ARESDEC members and guests!
Hint: It will be a variation on the venerable crystal radio, but different.….And there will be math…. 🙂
Bring your soldering iron and small tools for a fun kit build!
Space is LIMITED. Advanced sign-up and prepayment required. The cost is $20 for the kit.
To sign-up or for more information, please contact Walt at AB0VZ@aresdec.org.

Don’t forget your calculator!

Face-to-Face: ARESDEC Storm Operations Training
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Presentation on our Wx Spotting protocols used within the ARES R1D5 group for Storm Spotting preparation.At this Face-to-Face meeting, Jim Rooney, N4JJR will lead us through some very important topics to ARES R1D5, including:

How to be a mobile storm spotter
How ARES activates and manages our members in the field
How to prepare / Wx Spotting GO-KIT
How to Wx Spot
When, what and how to report
How to Demobilize
How to Stay Safe

WHY DO WE DO THIS?
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages throughout the country. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN® with partner organizations such as ARES. We participate to help keep our local community safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

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.

ARESDEC Weekly Net Cancelled
2026-04-16 20:00 - 20:30
Weekly net for 4/16 cancelled due to ARES Skywarn Training. See calendar for event details.
======================
Weekly Nets

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net

ARES SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training Workshop
2026-04-16 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.

Winlink "Hands On" Saturday Workshop
2026-04-11 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.

Face-to-Face: Planning Your Next POTA Activation
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Planning Your Next POTA Activation
Parks on the Air, or POTA, has quickly become one of the most popular amateur radio activities. What’s required to do POTA? Are their rules to this activity? What equipment do you need to do POTA? What do POTA and ARES have in common? During our March Face-to-Face meeting we will answer all these questions and more. Additionally, you’ll learn tricks and tips from POTA experienced people from our own ARES district.
This same presentation won many accolades during last’s year’s HAMCON convention.
We’ll see you at our Face-to-Face meeting! For more information, please contact Training@aresdec.org.
Pictures below include Perry W6AUN and Brad W0BDT working a POTA activation at US-1212-Chatfield Stake Park in Colorado.
Equipment shown include an IC-705 and a BuddiStick antenna.

ARESDEC New Member Training - Spring Class
2026-03-14 09:00 - 13:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States

Face-to-Face: How to Restore an All American 5 (AA5) Tube Radio
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Welcome to our February 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting!
Walt AB0VZ will present to us a project that he completed in the recent past which will be very interesting for all to hear, especially those who are electronics gurus.
Walt will discuss how he restored an All American 5 (AA5) Tube Radio. He’ll review the common circuit diagram, safety considerations, and use of relevant test equipment and procedures for successful restoration of a classic antique AM radio.
All are welcome to join us! For more information, please contact Training@aresdec.org.

The Philco PT-44 is an example of an All American Five (AA5) radio set. This is not the actual unit that Walt worked on.
Back view of a Philco PT-44 radio, showing tubes.

Starlink Demo & Radio Firmware/Code Plug Update Workshop
2026-02-21 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.
NEW THIS YEAR – STARLINK DEMO!!!!
Since ARESDEC recently purchased a new Starlink system, we will do a demo of the connectivity and bandwidth features available to us for planned events. This will be fun. We will do the demo at the BEGINNING Of the workshop, in case there are people who are not planning on staying for the radio updates part.
We will begin at 0900 with the Starlink demonstration and then 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.

Douglas County AuxComm Spring All-Hands Meeting
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States

Presidents Day
2026-02-16

The SWAPFEST 2026! (Rocky Mountain Ham Radio Hamfest)
2026-02-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Adams County Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO, 80601, United States
The Swapfest 2026!

HAMFEST/CONVENTION
Date: 02/15/2026
Location: Adams County Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds
9755 Henderson Road
Brighton, CO 80601
Time: Doors open at 9am Duration: 0900 – 1300 MDT
Cost $ 6.00 Admission
ARRL Mile High VE Testing at 10:00 am (Contact jjweinb@gmail.com for details)
Website: https://www.rmham.org/the-swapfest/
Sponsor: Rocky Mountain Ham Radio, Inc
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: RMHAM DMR System Rocky Mtn Wide Tlk Grp 700
Public Contact: Wayne Heinen, N0POH
4131 S Andes Way Aurora, CO 80013
Phone: 303-699-6335
Email: swapfest@rmham.org

ARES Section Winlink 101 Online Workshop
2026-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Have you used Winlink before? Do you want to learn more about it? Winlink is a critical tool to the ARES member toolbox and is used by ALL Colorado ARES groups. We each should know how to send and receive messages over the Internet and by radio wave propagation.
What radio equipment and software configuration are needed to successfully send a message over the air?
If you are new to Winlink or want a refresher, this online workshop is for you. We’ll go over the basics of the Winlink application, learn how to create a message, attach forms like the ICS-213, ICS-213RR, a Field Situation Report and learn how to send images.
Be sure to join us. Perry, W6AUN will be our trainer during the online workshop.
Please check with your ARES District for the Zoom link to join.
For information or questions, please contact Training@aresdec.org or W6AUN@aresdec.org.
.

Face-to-Face: Understanding NVIS Propagation
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
NVIS propagation, or Near Vertical Incidence Skywave, is a type of radio communication that allows signals to travel medium distances (up to 650 km) by sending radio waves nearly straight up into the ionosphere, where they are reflected back down to Earth. This method is particularly useful in areas where traditional line-of-sight communication is obstructed, such as mountainous regions.
Ron, N0IVN, will present this topic to us at our January Face-to-Face meeting. Come, learn the theory and how to put this in practice. What kind of antenna do you need to successfully do NVIS? What considerations should you think through before engaging in NVIS communications? Which HF frequencies are best for using NVIS propagation? How does NVIS help Emcomm as a resource in communications? Is NVIS better during the daytime or night time?
These questions and more can be answered by N0IVN. See you at the January Face-to-Face meeting. All are welcome to attend.

ARESDEC NPO Annual Meeting
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
ARESDEC members,
Welcome to a New Year! One thing the new year brings are new activities for the ARESDEC.

It’s time to renew your NPO annual membership for another year! The $10 NPO donation can be easily made by going to our website.
We have two NPO board member seats that came to term at the end of last year.
Starting January 1st, we are opening a nomination window that ends at midnight on the 3rd Wednesday of January.
These NPO board member seats are for a 2-year term. To nominate, you must be a current NPO member and your nominee must be a current NPO member.
You are able to nominate yourself if you meet the above criteria.

Being an ARESDEC NPO board member is not a demanding job. You are called upon when major financial or NPO policy decisions need to be made. Before our January Face-to-Face meeting, we will hold our annual NPO business meeting. During our business meeting, nominated NPO board candidates will be given 10 minutes to tell those present why they are interested in serving on the ARESDEC NPO board. To nominate an NPO member as a candidate, email me at W6AUN@aresdec.com to register your nomination.
By the way, we are ordering pizza for our NPO business meeting. Pay your annual NPO membership donation ($10 via PayPay) now and then join us at the NPO business meeting for a slice and to meet the board member candidates.
See you at the NPO annual business meeting and our Face-to-Face meeting that follows,
Perry, NPO Board Vice President

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19

NCARC Winter Hamfest 2026 - Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club
2026-01-17 08:00 - 13:00 | Larimer County Fairgrounds in the Thomas M McKee 4H Building, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO, 80538, United States
Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club Presents:
Winter 2026 Hamfest
Date: January 17, 2026
Where: Larimer County Fairgrounds, in the Thomas M. McKee 4H Building (at The Ranch in Loveland CO)
Address: 5280 Arena Circle
Loveland, CO
Directions: Take Exit 259 off I-25
East on Crossroads Blvd (0.35 miles)
North on Fairgrounds Ave (0.25 miles)
GPS Coordinates: 40.44286, -104.9863
What3Words: https://w3w.co/capillary.whizzed.pitied
Google Maps: https://tinyurl.com/evv254fr
Radio Talk In: 448.025 (-) 100 Hz ToneOpen to the Public 8:00am – 1:00pm MDT

Admission: Doors open to the public at 8:00 AM and Admission = $7.00.

Free License Exam: Test starts at 9:30, Admission Fee not required. If upgrading: Be sure to bring a copy of current license.

ARESDEC Weekly Net Cancelled
2026-01-01 20:00 - 20:30
There is no Weekly Net on the 4th Thursday of each month if ARESDEC is sponsoring a monthly Face-to-Face meeting or if a holiday falls on a Thursday.

New Years Day
2026-01-01

New Year's Eve
2025-12-31

Face-to-Face Meeting Cancelled Due to Christmas Day
2025-12-25 19:00 - 21:00
December Face-to-Face meeting cancelled due to Christmas Day. Will Santa bring you a new radio or antenna?

Christmas Day
2025-12-25

Christmas Eve
2025-12-24

Amateur Radio License Testing
2025-12-20 09:00 - 11:00 | FD – Pradera Fire Station, 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Sponsor: ARESDEC VEC team via W5YI-VEC
2025 Saturday Test Dates:

Jan 25
Feb 22
Mar 22
Apr 26
May 24
Jun 21
Jul 26
Aug 23
Sep 20
Oct 18
Nov 22
Dec 20

Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Pradera Fire Station (aka Franktown Fire Protection District Station 184), 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO 80134
Contact: ve@aresdec.org
Registration Options:

Send an e-mail to ve@aresdec.org and a registration link will be sent to you for the specific session you’re interested in.
Visit https://hamstudy.org/sessions/K8ZTT/all to complete your registration online.

On the application, you will be asked to answer the “Basic Qualification Question” which says, “Has the Applicant or any party to this application, or any party directly or indirectly controlling the Applicant, ever been convicted of a felony by any state or federal court?” Whether you answer “yes” or “no”, you may continue to take the test; however, if you answer, “yes”, you will need to follow the special instructions regarding the disposition of your case.

To take a FCC exam, you must do or/and bring the following:
1. MANDATORY BEFORE THE EXAM – FCC Registration Number (FRN). Examinees are required by the FCC to submit your FRN with your license application form. New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned an FRN which will be used in all license transactions with the FCC. For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the CORES Registration page and the FCC’s Registration instructions Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.

2. One legal photo ID (identification):

State Driver’s License
Government issued Passport
Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
Student School Photo ID card
State Photo ID card

3. If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:

Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
Social security card
Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
School ID card
School or Public Library card
Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on Form 605.

4. Students/minors without a photo ID need to bring only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID; otherwise, two non-photo IDs are required.
5. Original and one photocopy of CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam) toward the next class license, if any. ***The CSCE is only needed if testing before a license issue or update is not reflected in FCC Database.
6. The 2025 fee is $14.00. Cash is preferred; check or credit card “may be accepted” in extreme circumstances. Credit cards may not always be accepted. The examination fee allows an examinee to take one test of each element. Element “retakes” are allowed for an additional payment of $14.00.
7. Optional Supplies – pen, pencil, eraser, calculator. Only calculators without memory and programming or with proof of memory and programming cleared are allowed. Calculators must be “stand-alone”; that is, not an “app” on a phone or tablet. You will have access to a calculator on the PC that will be provided to you for purposes of taking your exam. You may also request scratch paper in the exam; do not bring your own scratch paper.
