K0IRO Survey Results and Updates

By Jason Loehr (@KD0MUB) |

K0IRO Leadership Update:

The Iowa Radio Operators (K0IRO) leadership team has been actively working to establish a new amateur radio club that will serve radio enthusiasts across the entire state of Iowa. While we’re preparing for our first member meeting, we wanted to share a progress update on our foundational efforts, key decisions, and upcoming initiatives. This post outlines what we’ve accomplished so far—and how you can help shape the club’s future.

Highlights: Progress in Motion

  1. Governance & Structure
    • Bylaws Finalized: After thorough discussion and revisions, our leadership team unanimously approved the K0IRO Charter and Bylaws on May 23, 2025. These documents outline our mission, vision, leadership roles, and member responsibilities. Read the full bylaws here.
    • Roberts Rules of Order: We’ve adopted formal parliamentary procedures for business meetings to ensure efficient decision-making, while keeping leadership meetings flexible.
  2. Repeater Operations
    • Infrastructure Upgrades: Major progress at our repeater site in Mingo, IA, includes:
      • Installation of a 2-post rack for radios and networking gear.
      • Internet (100/15 Mbps) for reliable connectivity. Enabling APRS, DMR, AllStar, Weather Cameras
      • APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) setup for real-time tracking and messaging.
    • Net Operations: We’re launching a weekly club net on Monday nights at 7 PM, focusing on community engagement. A draft script and Net Logger integration are in progress.
  3. Partnerships & Collaboration
    • MOU with KE0OUO: A Memorandum of Understanding was finalized with Andrew Moses (KE0OUO) to host his weather-related net on our repeater, ensuring priority access during emergencies.
    • Survey Results: Our recent member survey (15 responses) highlighted strong interest in:
      • Training sessions and educational presentations.
      • Field days and outdoor operating events.
      • Regular radio nets and online resource libraries.
  4. Financial & Administrative Planning
    • Dues Structure: Annual dues will be set at $20/year, with collections beginning in 2026.
    • ARRL Affiliation: We’re exploring affiliation with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) but will wait until after our first member meeting to gauge broader interest.

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

  • First Member Meeting: Tentatively planned for July with quarterly business meetings to follow.
  • Tower Climb & Site Upgrades: Join us on July 19, 2025, for a tower climb to install new antennas, a Meshtastic node, and APRS equipment. Tasks include:
    • Repairing the 2m antenna and repositioning it for optimal coverage.
    • Mounting a UHF Yagi to link with the Alleman tower.
    • Removing outdated equipment.
    • Volunteers welcome! Reach out to Calvin (KN0CTJ) for details.

What’s Next?

We’re eager to hear from YOU—our future members! Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Ideas for Training/Events: Share topics for educational sessions or workshops. (e.g., emergency comms, antenna theory, digital modes).
  • Volunteer for Nets: Help lead or participate in our Monday night nets.
  • Content Creation: Write articles, record presentations, or document projects for our online resources.
  • Social Media Promotion: Follow and share our updates on Facebook and other platforms.

Join the Conversation

This is just the beginning! Our leadership team is committed to building a club that reflects the needs and passions of Iowa’s ham radio community. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a newcomer, K0IRO aims to be a hub for learning, innovation, and camaraderie.

Stay tuned for details on our first member meeting, and don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas or questions. Together, we’ll make Iowa Radio Operators a cornerstone of amateur radio in the Midwest!

Got questions or ideas? Contact us via our Discord!

73,
Jason Loehr (KD0MUB), Secretary and Treasurer, K0IRO