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Last Website Update - July 7, 2025
The Annual Thirteen colonies
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The 13 Colonies Special Event is an event honoring the original thirteen colony states, our independence, and our active military and veterans. This year's event honors Ken Villone (KU2US) who created the 13 Colonies Special Event in 2009.
Visit the 13 Colonies website for full and up-to-date information.
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WTra arrl field dayJune 27 -28, 2026
1800 UTC Saturday through 2059 UTC Sunday. |
why wait? Make contact!
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A very interesting event happened to me recently. I was scanning around the HF bands one weekend during the afternoon and I was surprised at how little activity there was. My waterfall display confirmed that, except for some sporadic activity on the digital frequencies, the bands were dead! Or so I wrongfully assumed.
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I tuned to 20 meter phone, checked that the frequency was clear, and called CQ. Instantly I was met with a reply. We exchanged the typical pleasantries, had a nice conversation, and I moved on. Before I even started to call CQ again I got another contact, and then another, and another. A mini pile-up. Dead band? Definitely not!
I took a break and suddenly a comment from that first contact struck me. He said, "I've been listening for some time and waiting for a CQ!" I did not think much of it at the time be, in retrospect, I started to remember how many times I heard that exact same comment through the years. I also remembered how many times have I, myself, have just scanned, heard nobody, and left.
So I ask... why are we waiting? Be the start. Get on the bands and call CQ. Solar cycle 25 is progressing and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what awaits you. There really is no such thing as a dead band. It is just waiting for you to make something happen.
Make the contact.
I took a break and suddenly a comment from that first contact struck me. He said, "I've been listening for some time and waiting for a CQ!" I did not think much of it at the time be, in retrospect, I started to remember how many times I heard that exact same comment through the years. I also remembered how many times have I, myself, have just scanned, heard nobody, and left.
So I ask... why are we waiting? Be the start. Get on the bands and call CQ. Solar cycle 25 is progressing and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what awaits you. There really is no such thing as a dead band. It is just waiting for you to make something happen.
Make the contact.
road construction in Smithfield
December 2023 - September 2025
A long-term single-lane closure on the Cypress Creek bridge (South Church Street, Route 258/10 Business) began Jan. 22, 2024, restricting traffic flow on the bridge to one-way traffic westbound only in the single open 11-foot lane. Occasional temporary, full closures of the bridge may occur as needed later in the project for beam placement activities.
Full and up-to-date details can be found on the VDOT website.
Full and up-to-date details can be found on the VDOT website.
(Includes local Sunrise and Sunset Times)
(WTRA Club Members Only)
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WT4RA
147.195/+.6 MHz FM 100 Hz Tone IRLP 8373 Echolink 88373 Fusion DVR 324 Grid: FM16PV |
WT4RA
442.825/+5 MHz FM 100 Hz Tone IRLP 8373 Echolink 88373 Fusion DVR 324 Grid: FM16PV |
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WT4EN
147.030/+.6 MHz FM 100 Hz Tone ARES RACES Skywarn Grid: FM17NC |
WT4EN
443.825/+5 MHz FM 100 Hz Tone ARES RACES Skywarn Grid: FM17NC |
