January 1, 2025, from 0000 UTC through 2359 UTC. This 24-hour event is not a contest but rather a day dedicated to celebrating our CW heritage — radio communications by Morse code.

Participants are encouraged to get on the air and simply make enjoyable, conversational CW QSOs (radio contacts). The use of straight keys or bugs to send CW is preferred. There are no points scored and all who participate are winners. All authorized amateur frequencies may be used but activity has traditionally been centered on the HF bands.

Entries for Straight Key Night must be received by January 3, 2025. Votes for “Best Fist” and “Most Interesting QSO” will be tabulated and included in the results. Send your information to straightkey@arrl.org or by mail to ARRL Straight Key Night, 225 Main Street, Newington, Connecticut 06111. For more information, contact contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232.

Visit the ARRL website for more details: www.arrl.org/straight-key-night.

December brings two ARRL-sponsored single-band contests. The ARRL 160-Meter Contest begins Friday, December 6 at 2200 UTC and concludes on Sunday, December 8 at 1559 UTC. Stations in the US (including Alaska, Hawaii, and US possessions) and Canada can contact any station; stations located overseas can only contact US and Canadian stations. Contacts may be made using the CW mode only. See the contest rules at http://www.arrl.org/160-meter for more information. 

Next weekend, the ARRL 10-Meter Contest begins on Saturday, December 14 at 0000 UTC (Friday evening in North America), and concludes on Sunday, December 15 at 2359 UTC. Stations may contact any other station, regardless of location, using CW and phone. All stations send a signal report. Stations located in the US and Canada (including Alaska and Hawaii) send their state or province; Mexican stations send their state; DX stations send a serial number. Contest rules are available at https://contests.arrl.org/10m/.

The members of Post 12118 here in Copperopolis lead the Parade with many of the Veterans Amateur Radio Operators. They were followed by a student float from the local elementary school, Cal Fire, and a procession of Motorcycles and Classic Cars. A Pancake Breakfast for the Veterans also took place earlier in the morning at the Historical Copperopolis Armory with the Lake Tulloch Quilters showcasing there creations. A local event that takes place every Veterans Day to salute the defenders of liberty.

Roundtable Pizza 6:30 pm 27 N Main St. Angels Camp, Ca.

Steven J Airola W6RXK President

Steven J Airola W6RXK President