Calendar of Events

KARC Low-Band Antenna Party!

Calling All KARC Members (w/ badge access to the shack)

Posted Mar 21, 2023 (website Editor)

Save the date - Sunday March 26th 9am - for the planned KARC Antenna Party.  If you’ve been following the recent club developments you’ll know that at the last regular club meeting we approved a plan for the addition of three low-band wire antennas for the 160m, 80m, and 40m bands.  These three wire inverted-V dipoles will be installed at the apex at the tower and the wire ends tied to various poles in the parameter of the tower area.  Some of the preliminary work has been accomplished, but we are in need of volunteers to assist with the final push to complete the necessary tasks to get the antennas up and operational. 

There will be three main tasks groups so we can have multiple people working in parallel for efficiency: 

1) Pole Work, 2) Dipole Antenna Wire Pre Work, 3) Coax Cables Work.  When these tasks are complete, then initial deployment and test measurements/adjustments can proceed.

We hope that you will make time to join us.  This is our first Antenna Party in many years, and all of the previous ones have been fun to participate with.  When our work is completed we will have new low-band operating capabilities that will enhance the club’s shack! 

Technician's License Study Class (KARC Club Offering)!

Posted Mar 21, 2023

The KSC Amateur Radio Club is excited to offer for the second time a Technician's License study preparation class.  The course is divided into six, two hour classes which will be held every Thursday evening in the KARS Park Conference Center, beginning on March 23rd, 2023 at 5:00 PM.  We have reserved an additional seventh date in case we need extra time.

We will be using Dan Romanchik's "No Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide" available as a free PDF download at https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/.  You may also choose to purchase a Kindle version for $9.97 or a printed copy from Amazon for $21.97.  The instructors can order a printed copy for you for $10.00 but you will need to respond to one of the instructors in order for it to arrive before class starts.  Whatever you decide, please have your copy ready for the first class.

As an incentive to complete the course, we have decided to charge a $15.00 fee but this will be applied to your test session, proctored by the club, the third Tuesday of every month.  The fee and manual cost if order through the instructors, are due on the first night of class.

If you've been waiting for the right time to finally get a Technician's Amateur Radio License, and want some expert help with the study preparation, now is the perfect time at the start of this new year and this new KSC Amateur Radio Club service.  We look forward to seeing you in class.

73s,

Instructors: Robert Luken (W3RDL) & Mike Williamson (KF4PGQ)

Note: This is open to the general public.  'KARS Park Conference Center' directions available at the main gate enterance to the park located in north Merritt Island.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 Mission

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted Feb 13, 2023 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-6 mission, with a planned liftoff from Launch Complex 39A on Sunday Feb 26th at 2:07am EST, now scheduled for Monday Feb 27th at 1:45am EST (Scrubbed),  Next launch attempt set for Thursday March 2nd at 12:34am EST.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

NASA and SpaceX once again are gearing up to launch astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.  NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 is the sixth crew rotation mission that will carry an international crew of four astronauts on a six-month science expedition to the microgravity laboratory.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

Technician's License Study Class (New KARC Club Offering)!

Posted Jan 12, 2023

Happy New Year to All!  The KSC Amateur Radio Club is excited to offer for the first time a Technician's License study preparation class.  The course is divided into six, two hour classes which will be held every Thursday evening in the KARS Park Conference Center, beginning on January 19th, 2023 at 5:00 PM.  We have reserved an additional seventh date in case we need extra time.

We will be using Dan Romanchik's "No Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide" available as a free PDF download at https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/.  You may also choose to purchase a Kindle version for $9.97 or a printed copy from Amazon for $21.97.  The instructors can order a printed copy for you for $10.00 but you will need to respond to one of the instructors in order for it to arrive before class starts.  Whatever you decide, please have your copy ready for the first class.

As an incentive to complete the course, we have decided to charge a $15.00 fee but this will be applied to your test session, proctored by the club, the third Tuesday of every month.  The fee and manual cost if order through the instructors, are due on the first night of class.

If you've been waiting for the right time to finally get a Technician's Amateur Radio License, and want some expert help with the study preparation, now is the perfect time at the start of this new year and this new KSC Amateur Radio Club service.  We look forward to seeing you in class.

73s,

Instructors: Robert Luken (W3RDL) & Mike Williamson (KF4PGQ)

Note: This is open to the general public.  'KARS Park Conference Center' directions available at the main gate enterance to the park located in north Merritt Island.

Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler Event

Posted Nov 8, 2022 (website Editor)

The KSC Amateur Radio Club (KARC) will be supporting the upcoming Space Force "T-Minus 10-Miler" event scheduled for Saturday Dec 10th 2022.  This inagural running event is hosted by the United States Space Force and will be held at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.  The event is open to the public, but requires registration in advance.  For full details please click this link: Space Force Run

KARC will be providing communications support for the run event itself in addition to setting up a HF station at the finish line at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.  We need several club volunteers for the event to support both the running event comm along the 10-mile path and also operators for setting up and operating the HF station at the lighthouse.  This is a new and great opportunity for the club, and we really encourage membership participation - will be a fun and memorable time for all!  Please contact any KARC Officer for more details.

ARRL November Phone Sweepstakes - 2022

Posted Nov 18, 2022 (Website Editor)

Nov 19-21, 2022 - Tis Autumn!  Cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, drier days and the airwaves filled with QSO exchanges during the ARRL November Sweepstakes!  What could be better than dropping by the EML Shack for a few hours to enjoy the sheer pleasure and relative ease of contesting from the comfort and luxury of this well-equipped, modern radio room.  ARRL Sweepstakes Info

The goal of the November sweepstakes is to exchange information with as many other US and Canadian stations as possible on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. Working the November Sweepstakes is guaranteed to help you build confidence in your ability to operate amateur radio gear and learn to manage exhilarating pileups, all while experiencing the comradery of the amateur radio community at large.

NASA SLS Artemis I Launch (Uncrewed)

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted Aug 27, 2022 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming NASA SLS Artemis I launch, with a planned liftoff for Monday Aug 29th @8:33am EDT local time (scrubbed); new date/time is Saturday Sept 3rd @2:17pm EDT local (scrubbed);

Update: SLS potential launch date of Sept 27th has been eliminated; SLS/Orion has been rolled-back to the VAB due to hurricane Ian.  New date/time is Wednesday Nov 16th @1:04 am EST from launch pad LC-39B, with a two hour launch window.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The mission will demonstrate the performance of the SLS rocket and test Orion’s capabilities over the course of about six weeks as it travels about 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and back to Earth.   More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-5 Mission

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted Oct 2, 2022 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-5 mission, with a planned liftoff from Launch Complex 39A on Wednesday Oct 5th at 12:00pm EDT.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

NASA and SpaceX once again are gearing up to launch astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.  NASA's SpaceX Crew-5 is the fifth crew rotation mission that will carry an international crew of four astronauts on a six-month science expedition to the microgravity laboratory.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

Boeing CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test 2 (Uncrewed)

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted July 29, 2022 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming Boeing CST-100 Starliner Orbital Test Flight 2, with a planned liftoff for Friday July 30, 2021 @2:53 PM EDT (Scrubbed), Tuesday Aug 3, 2021 @1:20 PM EDT (Scrubbed), now planned for Wednesday Aug 4th, 2021 @12:57 PM EDT (Scrubbed). New scheduled launch date/time is May 19, 2022 at 6:54pm EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex SLC-41.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

As part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, United Launch Alliance will launch the Boeing Starliner spacecraft aboard an Atlas V rocket in an uncrewed test flight.  This launch is Boeing's next step toward sending humans to the International Space Station.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-4 Mission

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted April 16, 2022 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-4 mission, with a planned liftoff from Launch Complex 39A on Saturday April 23rd at 5:26am EDT.  Now scheduled for Wednesday April 27th at 3:52am EDT.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

NASA and SpaceX once again are gearing up to launch astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.  NASA's SpaceX Crew-4 is the fourth crew rotation mission that will carry an international crew of four astronauts on a six-month science expedition to the microgravity laboratory.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

NASA on the Air: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16

Posted April 16, 2022 (website Editor)

NASA On The Air (NOTA) is BACK!  Amateur radio club stations at NASA field centers will be re-activating joint operations for 2022.  Our first event will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 16 Moon landing.  Many of the NASA clubs will be on the air from April 23-27, 2022.  First event, celebrating the launch of Apollo 16, will be specially supported by the KSC Amateur Radio Club Saturday April 16, 2022 from 10am to 6pm EDT.  

For more information & details of specific operating times Click Here

NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 Mission

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted Oct 27, 2021 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-3 mission, with a planned liftoff from Launch Complex 39A on Sunday October 31st at 2:21am EDT (delayed 72 hrs due to weather); now planned for Wednesday November 2nd at 1:10am EDT (delayed due to minor medical issue with one of the crew); now planned for Saturday November 6th at 11:36 EDT (delayed for predicted weather), now planned for NET Monday November 8th at 9:51pm EST (delayed), now planned for NET Wednesday November 10th at 9:03pm EST.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

NASA and SpaceX once again are gearing up to launch astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.  NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 is the third crew rotation mission that will carry an international crew of four astronauts on a six-month science expedition to the microgravity laboratory.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend 2021

August 21nd & 22nd, 2021 - The KSC Amateur Radio Club is once again planning to participate this year by putting the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse On-The-Air for the annual ILLW event!  The objective of the ILLW event is stated as "to promote public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, to promote amateur radio and to foster International goodwill. 

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the Cape for over 150 years. Situated amidst America’s Premier Gateway to Space, the lighthouse is owned by the United States Space Force and maintained as an active aid to navigation by the United States Coast Guard. This year we will be operating our radio equipment from the new lighthouse keepers building (museum), with our antenna tower/trailer located in the Hanger 'C' adjacent parking area.

ARRL Field Day 2021

Jun 26-27, 2021 - After missing last year's Field Day due to Covid, the KSC Amateur Radio Club is back again this year for the single most popular Amateur Radio on-the-air event!   http://www.arrl.org/field-day. More than 40,000 radio amateurs gather to operate from remote locations.  We plan on operating as a 2A station, with two rigs devoted to phone (SSB) operations; both "GO" kits provide ease of setup and ops (running on battery/solar power).  This year's location is at KARS 1 Park in Merritt Island, FL.  Sign up now for one or more of the operating shifts to join in on the fun!  For more information contact the KARC activities officer.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 Mission

N1KSC UHF Repeater Support of NASA PAO Live Audio Events 

Posted April 12, 2021 (website Editor)

The KARC N1KSC 70cm UHF repeater will be supporting NASA/KSC PAO (Public Affairs Office) launch operations commentary for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew-2 mission, with a planned liftoff for Thursday April 22 at 6:11 AM EDT (scrubbed); now planned for Friday April 23 at 5:49am EDT from Launch Complex 39A.  Repeater transmission of NASA PAO launch coverage will begin one hour before liftoff, and complete upon successful orbit insertion. 

This is the second crew rotation flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the first with two international partners.  The flight follows certification by NASA for regular flights to the international space station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program.  More Info

Anyone with a 70cm FM compatible radio and within range of the repeater coverage can enjoy the retransmissions.  Repeater Rx freq = 444.925 MHz (no PL tone required to monitor).  Please note that during the support of the live audio coverage, the repeater will be not open to regular use (emergency traffic can take priority if required).  

Note: This is a similar community service that LISATS provides on their 2m repeater (146.940 MHz) located in Merritt Island, FL.