Through a partnership with GigaParts, this program is designed to lower the barrier to entry into amateur radio by providing new hams with a high quality radio for only $17.99 (plus tax and shipping). Effective February 28, 2025, new hams will be entitled to a 70% discount on the Explorer QRZ-1 VHF/UHF handheld transceiver, as well as a variety of accessories. The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the program. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. This program is available exclusively to USA licensed amateur radio operators who obtained their first license from the FCC within the last 6 months. The Jumpstart program may be changed or terminated without notice based on availability and corporate sponsors
SWAD) will be held on February 21, 2026, at Trevecca University in Nashville. Stones River will once again have a booth at the event, and we’re looking for volunteers to help staff it. Please let me know if you’re interested in assisting.
For more information about SWAD, please visit SWAD
Since 1863 only 3,511 men and 1 woman have been awarded The Medal of Honor.
Today there are only 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients.
he average American has a 0.000018% chance of meeting a Medal of Honor Recipient in person.
Everyone who attends HamCation 2026 will have the honor to meet a living Medal of Honor recipient!
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
A LIVING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
WILL BE ATTENDING HAMCATION AND HE
HAS PASSED THE EXAM TO BECOME
A LICENSED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR AND
WILL MAKE HIS FIRST HAM RADIO
CONTACT AT HAMCATION 2026!
This site has links to several Ham related things
What they are about is getting a movement to use 146.50 simplex while traveling all throughout North America
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and got to spend time with family. And I hope your New Year will be full of love of family and a lot of contacts around the world.
Santa Net on 3.916 MHz returns for its 20th consecutive year. Part of The 3916 Nets, Santa Net will kick-off on November 28th and run through December 23rd. The net will be active Thursday through Saturday night until December 18th at which point the net will run nightly.
Pre-net check-ins can be made online at http://www.cqsanta.com/.
On December 1st 1924, the 200kW Alexanderson alternator with the call sign “SAQ” was put into commercial operation with telegram traffic from Sweden to the United States. 101 years later, the transmitter is the only remaining electro-mechanical transmitter from this era and is still in running condition. On Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday December 24th 2025, the transmitter is scheduled* to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.
Transmission Schedule
- 08:20 CET (07:20 UTC): Live stream on YouTube begins.
- 08:30 CET (07:30 UTC): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.
- 09:00 CET (08:00 UTC): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.
- 08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.
- E-QSL reports may be submitted online.
The Town of Smyrna is thrilled to celebrate an incredible achievement by the Great Tennessee Air Show, which has been named Top Civilian Air Show of 2025 by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional execution, outstanding community engagement, seamless logistics, and top-tier performance, and organization.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Executive Producer Brandon DiPierri, John Black, Evan Lester, Salil Rai, Smyrna Airport, Stones River Amateur Radio Club, and the entire GTAS team for delivering a truly world-class event and making Middle Tennessee proud. The Town of Smyrna is honored to be a part of this wonderful event. Congratulations to all involved on this well-deserved recognition!
Stones River Amateur Radio Club members stood at the gates to control flight line access for the Blue Angles Pilots. We also provided drivers for the golf carts to transport handicapped and elderly persons from the gate to the seating area. And we coordinated it all via Ham Radio Communications.
We had a good meal and fellowship played some games sung songs. A good time was had by one and all. Jason KM4ACK won this years Silver Microphone Award.
One I’m sure will become an heirloom that he will pass down for generations.
Audrey Lowe with the help of Pam Cotton and her friend Marti pulled off an exceptional evening. Also thanks to Barbara and Roger Rutter helped setting up the tables and chairs.
The meal was catered by Ryan Purdo
