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News

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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

2025 Cedar Valley Ham Fest

By Calvin Jutting (@KN0CTJ) |

Get Ready for the 2025 CVARC Hamfest!

Calling all radio enthusiasts! The Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club is hosting the CVARC Hamfest on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Central City, IA. This premier event brings together amateur radio operators, electronics hobbyists, and communication enthusiasts for a day of networking, learning, and fun.

Tickets & Pricing: *Adults: $10

*Kids (under 18): Free

*Indoor tables: $10/table

*Outdoor tailgating: Free

*RV camping: $20/night

For details, visit w0gq.org/cvarc-hamfest or contact convention chairman David Cripe ([email protected]). Whether you’re a seasoned ham or just curious about radio communications, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

2025 State Wide POTA Gathering

By Calvin Jutting (@KN0CTJ) |

Story County Amateur Radio Club’s Statewide POTA Gathering

What’s better than a beautiful day outdoors (ok mostly beautiful day… at least it wasn’t rainging) with radios buzzing and contacts rolling in?

This past weekend, amateur radio operators from across the state met up for the Story County Amateur Radio Club’s Parks on the Air (POTA) gathering. The mix of new faces and seasoned operators made for a great time, filled with plenty of chatter—both on and off the air.

Beyond the radio waves, the gathering was just as much about swapping stories and sharing a few laughs. There’s something special about bringing people together with a shared passion—and this event proved, once again, why POTA has become such a great excuse to get outside and get on the air.

Some Pictures from the event:

If you weren’t able to make it this time, don’t worry—there’s another great chance to get on the air soon! The 2025 Iowa QSO Party is happening on Saturday, September 20, running from 9 AM to 9 PM, and the Story County Amateur Radio Club is hosting. Whether you’re logging contacts from home, hitting the field for another activation, or just listening in, it’s bound to be a fantastic event.

For all the details, visit http://w0yl.com/IAQP and mark your calendars

Initial Club Survey

By Ben Jutting (@K0BJJ) |

Iowa Radio Operators (K0IRO) Club Survey

Your voice matters! Whether you’re just dipping your toes into amateur radio or you’re a seasoned pro, we want to make sure our club supports everyone in the best way possible.

But here’s the thing—we don’t know what we don’t know without your input! What topics excite you? What resources would be most valuable? What kind of events would keep you engaged? That’s why we’ve put together a survey, and we need your feedback!

Your insights will help us build a club that truly serves the community.

Click the link, take the survey, and let’s shape this club together!

https://forms.gle/ZkTy66W9LLbfZgkeA

Introducing Clint K0GR - Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator

By Calvin Jutting (@KN0CTJ) |

Big Things Are STILL Happening in Iowa’s Emergency Communications!

The momentum isn’t slowing down & exciting developments continue in the world of amateur radio! Clint Miller, the newly appointed Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator, has shared an important update that’s worth highlighting.

After meeting and talking with Clint, it’s clear—he’s got vision, determination, and the drive to revitalize ARES and shape the future of emergency communications across the state. These topics have been a hot-button issue for a while, and now’s the perfect time to embrace positive change and push forward!

To keep discussions focused and productive, Clint has established a new Groups.io section for all ARES-related conversations: Join the discussion here!

If emergency communications are your passion or you’ve been looking for a way to get involved, this is your chance! Head over to Groups.io, sign up, and stay engaged—big things are happening, and even bigger things are on the way!

Hello Fellow Emergency Communicators!

My name is Clint Miller KØGR, and I am the New Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator. I appreciate Barry Buelow W0YI for appointing me to fill this vital role. I hope I can meet or exceed your expectations of what strong section leadership for ARES should be.

About Me

I was originally licensed in 2001 as KC0JUO to participate in a cross-country race with the ISU Solar Car Team. I got radio active in 2005 after hearing an NPR report about amateur radio operators responding to Hurricane Katrina.

Leadership & Future Plans

One of my first priorities is to have Assistant Section Emergency Coordinators (ASEC) and District Emergency Coordinators (DEC) that I know and trust to serve as a cabinet of advisors.

The section leadership team is planning a Statewide ARES Meeting to be held on a Saturday in the second half of July or August at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames.

EC Monthly Reporting

One very timely order of business for the ECs is to complete the monthly reporting to the ARRL. You will need to use your ARRL login credentials to access this website: ARRL ARES Reporting.

Apologies for the length of this message, but I’m sure there are several things that I forgot to mention—look for more updates soon. Feel free to reach me directly via email at [email protected].

Clint Miller, KØGR, COML, COMT

Iowa Section Emergency Coordinator

Story County Emergency Coordinator

ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service

DMRAA 2025 Ham Fest

By Ben Jutting (@K0BJJ) |

DMRAA Ham Fest 2025

The 2025 Des Moines Radio Amateurs Association Hamfest is now in the books. It was a good time to meet up with people and meet new people! Enjoy the video’s!

Also while there I had the opportunity to interview Jason (KE0IAV), Polk County Emergency Coordinator and a tour of the Polk County Emergency Communications Trailer!

Introducing Barry WØIY - Iowa Section Manager

By Calvin Jutting (@KN0CTJ) |

Introducing Barry WØIY: A New Era for Iowa Amateur Radio

Welcome to a fresh chapter in Iowa’s amateur radio community! We’re thrilled to introduce Barry WØIY, the new Iowa Section Manager, whose passion, vision, and leadership are set to inspire change and bring new energy to the world of ham radio.

In the letter that follows, Barry shares his thoughts on leadership, collaboration, and the challenges ahead. His words remind us all of the importance of teamwork and respect as we work together to enhance the amateur radio experience. Barry’s unique approach emphasizes the value of camaraderie, innovation, and collective action—principles that will undoubtedly resonate with hams across the state.

So grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage), and take a moment to read Barry’s message to the community. Together, let’s support his vision for a stronger, more vibrant Iowa amateur radio community.

April 1, 2025

I am Barry W0IY.

I am the new Iowa Section Manager. My motivation for running for SM was to make amateur radio better. I want to do this by enhancing clubs and doing youth outreach. More on that later. At the Section level, there are lots of things going on. As I campaigned, my focus was on my agenda, first to make clubs better, then to have clubs engage in outreach to youth. Through schools, Maker groups, Scouts, where ever we can go. That continues to be my main objective. However, there are important issues which need to be addressed.

Well before taking office, I’ve been involved with many members, clubs and EMA officials. There are lots of broken things to fix, both at the section and local level. It is going to take some time and effort, not just by me.

Until now, I’ve gone out of my way to not stir controversy, but common courtesy has not been extended to me. I was refused permission to speak briefly at the conclusion of the Weather Spotter training. My intention was to extend an invitation to all hams present to attend the next CVARC meeting. Apparently I was perceived as a threat to the waning center of power. Now is the time for us to raise our collective voice and express the depth our dissatisfaction. The disrespect heard of late is extremely unfortunate and not at all in alignment with the ARRL mission.

I heard from many hams, both locally and across the state, that they were eagerly anticipating a change in section management. This because they felt they were not being served.

I am here to serve the amateur radio community and make it a better.

Leadership

There is a very VERY important principle in leadership. Not everyone claiming to be a leader knows this. The principle is:

As a leader, I need you, WAY more than you need me. [1]

Think about that. “I” can’t do much. “WE” can do a lot. But to be a successful leader, I need to earn your respect. To earn that, I will respect and appreciate YOU. Leadership is not given by command or election to office, it is earned. I want to earn it from you. As the leader, am I the most important person in the room. Absolutely not. We are all volunteers. We should ALL be respected and appreciated. The LEADER needs to respect and appreciate the volunteers, not just issue commands to minions. If that isn’t understood, then you are not a leader. You are a dictator.

[1]: Google “fragging”

Let's Talk ARES

There has been too much emphasis put on ARES. The concept was promoted that ARES was the most important organization—that it took priority. Where does it say that? Nowhere! That emphasis was NOT based on what is best for amateur radio and the community. It was based on power and control. That era is over. DONE!!!

Now, I am presented with the task of having to pick up the pieces of a structure that did not have a true leader. Pieces that are broken. People are bailing out of ARES because it’s broken. I need to work on recovering trust, showing respect and appreciation, and rebuilding the relationship with EMA.

In the months to come, I am going to have to make difficult decisions, but I’m going to make them based on what is best for amateur radio, not what is best for me.

One difficult decision I am making is that all ARES activities in Linn County are suspended until further notice.

This action is necessary to rebuild a new ARES. There will be no loss of capability. CVARC’s EmComm is entirely capable of conducting weather nets, exercises, and deployments. These will be handled without direct ARES involvement. This situation will be resolved as quickly as possible.

Eric KØECW is CVARC’s Emergency Preparedness Director. You elected him. He is well prepared and entirely capable of running this operation, and deserves to perform his duties without interference. I appointed him Linn County Emergency Coordinator based on his qualifications and dedication.

You need to understand that by joining ARES, you are indicating your willingness to support EmComm through the ARRL. The League encourages ARES membership and activities as it supports the FCC’s mandate that amateur radio provide emergency communications.

Certainly in Linn County, many members of CVARC are also members of ARES. There is no difference based on the name on a hat or vest. You are there to help. CVARC has resources and is entitled to use them as it sees fit:

  • CVARC has a repeater, not ARES.
  • CVARC can have a weather net without ARES.
  • CVARC can deploy the trailer without ARES.
  • CVARC has a repeater which does not belong to ARES.

Current Issues

As an example of the problems with ARES, the LinnCountyARES discussion group on groups.io has been hijacked. Please leave the group as it is NOT authorized by ARES. If an activity is announced there, please ignore the event. There is a new group you are welcome and encouraged to join. Please carefully note the spelling as the names are slightly different.

On groups.io:

  • LinnCountyARES: OLD and BOGUS
  • LinnCountyIAARES: NEW and IMPROVED! Real ARES

The same situation exists with the Iowa ARES group. It has been hijacked and is no longer speaking for ARES. The reasons for this difficulty are entirely for someone's need for personal power rather than the good of amateur radio.

Additionally, the website ARRLIOWA.ORG has been erased. I requested the domain name, but it was not made available. Couldn’t this have been done for the good of amateur radio? Obviously not. A new website will be announced shortly.

In summary:

ARES needs to heal. Please be patient as we fix what’s broken. We’ll be back as soon as we can.

The Future of the Iowa Section:

To be perfectly clear, the new Iowa Section leadership is bringing a much-needed new leadership style. I expect that my example of respecting and appreciating volunteers will be carried out at all levels.

At the Iowa Section level, many appointments are out of date. There are 5 known SKs with current Section appointments—some are deceased for many years. My Elmer, Les WØYLS, has been SK for almost 5 years, yet he still has a current appointment. CVARC’s own NØSS, who administered my Extra test, has been gone awhile—a true gentleman. I miss seeing him at meetings.

Other appointees are not actively performing their duties. This is the result of neglect. Expect to see lots of appointment changes.

Clubs:

I want to focus on clubs—making them stronger and more dynamic. Why? Because a group of old guys just having coffee doesn’t attract new members. A few years ago, we joked that everyone came to the CVARC meeting on the LIFTS bus.

Why are we here? To get together with our own kind. Call us nerds or whatever. Do we come to bicker over the budget and the minutes? No.

Clubs all have the “meeting before/after the meeting.” This is the real value of gathering. Dinner before or pizza after is a tradition in many clubs. We gather for:

  • Camaraderie
  • Enjoyment
  • Sharing
  • Esprit de corps

I want to get clubs to bring these elements to the forefront. You should be here because YOU REALLY WANT to be here. Attending should make you HAPPY.

CVARC Improvements

CVARC was already improving discussions with table topics:

  • Who has a new radio?
  • New antenna. Who needs antenna help?
  • POTA (Parks On The Air)
  • AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network)
  • Even 3D printing
  • Show and Tell

These are the real reasons we're here. We're here to make amateur radio better for all of us.

Tim NØCKR is the new Club Coordinator. He is very enthusiastic and I am happy and grateful to have him participate. We have been actively contacting clubs across the state, inviting them to join in a club discussion group. Response has been VERY positive, because clubs DO want to get better.

In the coming months, you’ll see more activities and topics discussed at CVARC that are related to the clubs initiative. CVARC is doing many things right and is a huge club compared to the many smaller clubs in the state. Tim and I are going to see how we can help the clubs, regardless of size.

We look forward to WORKING WITH YOU to improve CVARC and all clubs in Iowa.

I am available to discuss any of this or other topics with you. Please email, it’s much easier to track than phone calls. But call if you prefer.

I am here to serve the amateur radio community.

Barry Buelow WØIY

[email protected]

319-651-3985

If you are not an ARES member, please consider joining. We will return bigger and better.

Welcome

By Calvin Jutting (@KN0CTJ) |