Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club • [Month], [Year]
www.w0emz.orgOn the Air & On the Calendar
Key Up for These Events!Wavelength Wisdom
Your Technical Tip(s) of the Month!Member Spotlights
The Ham Behind the Handle!Stay Connected!
Where The Ragchew Never Ends!REGULAR MONTHLY CLUB MEETING
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 - 9 AM at the Holiday Inn (map)
ARRL Solar Activity
Solar activity has reached high levels due to a pair of X-class flares.
TESTING CHANGES
Please be advised that the ARRL is implementing a significant change to the way Volunteer Examiner (VE) testing is conducted, effective at year-end.
Getting Started with Winlink Using ARDOP
Looking to send email over the air without using VARA? ARDOP (Amateur Radio Digital Open Protocol) is a free, open-source alternative that works seamlessly with Winlink Express. In this issue, we’ve included a simple step-by-step guide to get you on the air with ARDOP — from installing the software to making your first connection or peer-to-peer message.
Whether you’re using a Digirig, Signalink, or your rig’s built-in USB interface, setting up ARDOP takes just a few minutes and no extra cost. Check out the full walkthrough below and start exploring Winlink the open-source way!
The Laser Pointer PCB Hack
Having trouble identifying the solder connection for a component lead when working on a PCB? Shine a red laser pointer directly onto the lead from the component side. The laser's beam will pass through the material, illuminating the exact location of the solder joint/pad on the opposite side, ensuring accurate targeting for rework. Submitted by Derek K9FQO.
Exploring Low-Band DXing
This month’s tip comes from Jim (KF0SVB), who’s been diving into one of the classic resources of amateur radio propagation theory—Low-Band DXing by John Devoldere, ON4UN.
It’s a book that’s highly recommended by the EZNEC antenna modeling community and offers practical insights into how our signals interact with the ionosphere and solar conditions.
Eric Yancy (N0ZHD)
This month’s Member Spotlight features Eric Yancy N0ZHD, who currently serves as Club Secretary. With 15 years of experience in amateur radio, N0ZHD brings a great mix of technical skill, curiosity, and enthusiasm to our club. Whether chasing DX on digital modes or exploring the great outdoors, he’s always up to something interesting on—and off—the airwaves! READ MORE