PRA Facebook feed
544
Parker Radio Association
The Parker Radio Association is a group of amateur radio enthusiasts local to the Parker, Colorado area. Our Club Callsign is KØPRA.
PRA #hamradio Tip of the Week: Check the SWR Before Transmitting![]()
![]()
Always check your antenna’s Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) before transmitting. A high SWR can cause damage to your radio’s transmitter and lead to poor signal performance.![]()
![]()
Explanation: SWR measures how efficiently your antenna is radiating power. An SWR of 1:1 is ideal, while anything above 2:1 can indicate issues with your antenna, feedline, or connections. Regularly checking SWR ensures your setup is optimal and prevents potential equipment damage.
The PRA had a great morning off-road trip. We not only tested our vehicle’s ability in some fairly precarious positions, but we had the opportunity to activate a Parks-On-The-Air (POTA) and test our portable operating skills. One of the highlights was AE0ZF, a newly minted Extra Class Ham, making his first contact on 20M! #hamradio
PRA Tip of the Week: Practice Good Microphone Technique![]()
![]()
When using your handheld or mobile radio, hold the microphone about 2-3 inches from your mouth and speak clearly at a normal volume. Avoid shouting or whispering, and hold the microphone at a slight angle, not directly in front of your mouth, to prevent distortion from breath sounds.![]()
![]()
Explanation: Good microphone technique ensures that your transmission is clear and easily understood by others. Holding the microphone too close or too far can lead to muffled or faint audio, making communication difficult. By speaking clearly and at the right distance, you help others hear you better, leading to more effective and enjoyable radio communication.
The PRA is honored to welcome our newest members! Thank you for your support of our Mission through your membership and we are honored to be a part of your #hamradio journey.
Tip of the Week: Use Proper Phonetics for Clear Communication![]()
![]()
Always use the standard NATO phonetic alphabet (e.g., Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) when spelling out words, especially during poor signal conditions or when communicating with stations where language barriers might exist.![]()
![]()
Explanation: Using standardized phonetics helps avoid confusion caused by similar-sounding letters and words. For example, "B" and "D" can sound alike over the radio, but saying "Bravo" and "Delta" makes the distinction clear. This practice enhances clarity and ensures your message is accurately received, especially in critical situations or noisy environments.
ARRL newsfeed
American Radio Relay League
- National Preparedness Month: Ensuring Family Safety September 13, 2024September is National Preparedness Month. In coordination with our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) is producing a series of weekly articles to help radio amateurs and their families stay safe.See previous stories:https://www.arrl.org/news/resilience-through-amateur-radio-for-national-preparedness-month https://www.arr...
- Ham Radio Volunteers Serve During Hurricane Francine September 13, 2024Ham radio operators volunteering with the ARRL® Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) have successfully completed operations for Hurricane Francine, now a tropical storm. “We had a huge positive showing of ARES team members checking in and doing the ‘thing.’ I sincerely appreciate everyone leaning into this activation,” said Robert Hayes, KC5IMN, Section Emergency Coordinator of […]
- The K7RA Solar Update September 13, 2024With sunspot numbers up and solar flux decreasing, we saw ten newsunspot groups this week; two on September 6, three on September 7,two on September 8, one on September 9, and two on September 11.Average daily sunspot numbers increased from 155.3 to 178.4, whileaverage daily solar flux declined from 230.3 to 223.7.Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, […]
- Francine Updates September 12, 2024
- ARRL Defends 902-928 Amateur Radio Band September 12, 2024
- ARRL Utah Section Expanding Emergency Communication Capabilities September 12, 2024A new and faster way to communicate during emergencies is being planned by the Utah Section of the ARRL® Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) group, which serves Salt Lake County, the most populous area in Utah.ARRL Utah Section Public Information Coordinator Scott Rosenbush, K7HSR, said that discussion and planning for mesh networks using AREDN (Amateur […]
- National Preparedness Month: Have a Go Kit September 6, 2024September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate for a served agency through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) involves not only being licensed and trained, but also prepared […]
- Hams Respond as Hawaii Threatened by Three Major Storms September 6, 2024In late August, Hawaii’s big island was threatened by three major tropical storms and amateur radio operators were prepared to assist as the threat grew more intense. Russell Roberts, KH6JRM, Public Information Officer, Hawaii County, ARRL Pacific Section, said that beginning August 23, storm watches and warnings were being issued for tropical storms Hone, Gilma, […]
- The K7RA Solar Update September 6, 2024Eight new sunspot groups emerged over the past week.Two appeared on August 30, three more on August 31, another two onSeptember 2 and one more on September 4.Average daily sunspot number declined from 177.1 to 155.3, whileaverage daily solar flux barely changed from 229 to 230.3.Spaceweather.com reported the average daily sunspot number forAugust was 200, […]
- ARRL VEC Services Update During Systems Disruption September 3, 2024Updated 9/3/2024ARRL previously reported that we are responding to a serious incident involving access to our network and headquarters-based systems. Several services have been affected, including those administered by the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC).Exam Registrations and Materials. ARRL Volunteer Examiners (VEs) should continue to submit exam registrations and material requ...
- ARRL Systems Service Disruption September 3, 2024Updated 9/3/2024As previously reported, the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Program continues to operate during the systems service disruption.ARRL Volunteer Examiners (VEs) should continue to submit exam registrations and material requests. We are able to post new or revised exam session dates and details to the website, and ship out exam materials. International Amateur Radio […]
- The K7RA Solar Update August 30, 2024"ASWFC GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING ISSUED AT 0200 UTC/29 AUGUST 2024 BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE WEATHER FORECASTING CENTRE. The solar wind environment remains elevated due to ongoing CME effects. G0-G1 geomagnetic conditions are expected on 29-Aug. INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION FOR 29 AUGUST 2024 GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST 29 Aug: G0-G1." This […]
- ARRL Closed Monday, September 2, for Labor Day August 30, 2024ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of the Labor Day federal holiday. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions. ARRL Headquarters will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, at 8 AM EDT (1200 UTC).Visit the ARRL Special Events Stations database to find on-the-air events and commemorations this weekend.ARRL […]
- ARRL Club Grants Will Be Awarded in November August 30, 2024Applications for the 2024 ARRL Club Grants program are now being reviewed (the application period closed July 26, 2024).ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, said 110 grant applications have been received and the awards will be announced in late November. “Grants are available up to $25,000 and emphasis is given to projects that are […]
- Estate Planning for Hams (What happens to all your stuff?) August 30, 2024August is National Make-a-Will month. Some estimates show that nearly two-thirds of Americans don't have a plan. For some, it's procrastination. Others don't know where to start. “So many times we hear from the family of a Silent Key who are overwhelmed with what to do with a lifetime worth of amateur radio gear,” said […]