The DLARC Dispatch

Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club • [Month], [Year]

In This Issue

On the Air & On the Calendar

Wavelength Wisdom

Member Spotlight

ARRL Field Day Location

2026 Museum On The Air 

Stay Connected!

On the Air & On the Calendar

Wavelength Wisdom

Member Spotlight

Member Profile: J. Dwight L. Corbeil (KE0NUL)

License & History

● Years Licensed / Class: Licensed since 2017. Advanced Class (renewal upcoming).

● Inspiration: Encouraged by former DLARC member Sudhir “Sunny” Kamath (KD8HAM), with support and guidance from Derek Oldenburger (K9FQO).

● First Interest: Introduced to amateur radio in the late 1960s through a classmate’s brother. His QSL-card-covered shack and DX pursuits left a lasting impression that stayed for decades.

Operating & Interests

● Favorite Bands/Modes: 2 meters and SSB.

● Favorite Activities: Interested in DXing and meaningful contacts; prefers traditional operating over digital modes like FT8.

● Nets & Groups: Not specified.

● Current Setup: Icom 7300 transceiver with an 18-foot vertical antenna and buried radials.

Life Outside the Shack

● Profession/Life: Retired educator with 35 years of service, including time in the West Fargo School District and 3 years in the U.S. Army. Taught a wide range of subjects including science, industrial arts, welding, photography, and driver’s education, along with adult education welding classes.

● Hobbies/Skills: Enjoys fishing, hunting, and trapping. A lifelong learner who has explored hobbies in gardening, animal husbandry, and crafts.

Reflections

● Most Memorable Contact: A unique and mysterious contact with a location that remains “dark” on the world map—best left untold.

● Dream Operating Location: “There is no place like home.”

● Advice for New Hams: Amateur radio offers something for everyone—keep exploring until you find your niche. The club is a great source of knowledge and support.

2026 ARRL Field Day 

Plans are underway for our annual ARRL Field Day, taking place June 27 and 28, 2026. While our originally planned location is no longer available, we are actively working on securing a new site and will share details as soon as they are finalized.

Even with the location change, Field Day remains one of the most exciting and important events of the year, and we are looking forward to another great weekend of operating, learning, and camaraderie.

📡 What is Field Day?

ARRL Field Day is the largest on the air operating event in amateur radio, sponsored by the American Radio Relay League. It combines emergency preparedness, contesting, and public outreach into one weekend.

Clubs and individuals across North America set up temporary stations and operate using emergency power, simulating real world conditions when normal infrastructure may not be available.

⚙️ How It Works

Field Day officially runs for 24 hours, beginning at 1:00 PM CDT Saturday, June 27 and ending at 1:00 PM CDT Sunday, June 28.

Our club will be operating under Field Day rules, which include:

Emergency Power Operation

All stations must operate on generator, battery, or solar power with no commercial mains power.

Station Class

We expect to operate as a Class A club or group portable station, meaning multiple transmitters are allowed and all equipment is set up in the field with strong club participation encouraged.

Making Contacts QSOs

Points are earned by contacting other stations across the United States and Canada on HF bands from 160m through 10m, excluding WARC bands, as well as VHF and UHF including 6m and above.

Modes of Operation

We will use a variety of modes including voice SSB, CW Morse code, and digital modes such as FT8.

Bonus Points Opportunities

Additional points can be earned for emergency power use, having a GOTA Get On The Air station for new or inactive operators, public information and outreach, message handling, satellite contacts, and educational activities.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Everyone is Welcome

Field Day is not just for experienced operators, it is for everyone. New hams can get on the air with help from experienced operators. Non licensed visitors can participate at the GOTA station. Families are encouraged to attend and see what amateur radio is all about.

🛠️ What You Can Expect

Multiple operating stations

Opportunities to try HF, VHF, and digital modes

Hands on learning and mentoring

Food, fun, and great conversation

A chance to practice real emergency communications

📣 Stay Tuned

We are currently working on a new location that meets our needs for accessibility, antenna space, low RF noise, and safe comfortable operation.

Details will be announced soon via email, our club net, and the newsletter.

👍 Final Thoughts

Field Day is a chance to demonstrate the value of amateur radio, sharpen our operating skills, and enjoy time together as a club. No matter where we set up this year, the most important part is getting on the air and having fun.

We hope to see you there!

Museum On The Air 

Celebrate the spirit of global communication at this year’s “Museum On The Air” event, held in honor of World Amateur Radio Day on April 18, 2026. 

Join the Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club at the Becker County Museum from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for an engaging, hands-on experience exploring the world of amateur radio.

World Amateur Radio Day commemorates the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union in 1925 and celebrates the vital role amateur radio operators play in emergency communications, community service, and technological innovation. For over a century, “hams” have connected people across the globe often when traditional communication systems are unavailable.

Visitors can expect live radio demonstrations, opportunities to learn how amateur radio works, and guidance on how to get started in the hobby. Club members will be available to answer questions about licensing, equipment, and how amateur radio supports emergency preparedness.

This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages whether you're curious about technology, interested in STEM fields, or simply want to see how communication works without the internet or cell service.

Stop by, explore, and discover the world of radio! 

Stay Connected!

Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club

Club Email List: w0emz@gaggle.email

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