Our next meeting will be on October 2, 2025 at the Boerne Library. Check out our meetings page for more details.
Are you a newly licensed ham or want to become one? Join us at our monthly meeting for tips and tricks on everything from antennas, radio usage, digital modes and technical presentations.
September 10-12, Jesse (W1BBT) and Jerry (N5SGM) had their first DX POTA activation at US-3020 Inks Lake State Park. Jesse was able
to make the top 5 activator list with 303 contacts, and Jerry was on fire with CW. On the way back home, they stoped as US-3034 Longhorn Cavern State Park
for a quick activation. Stay tuned for the next park these two will be headed to. Pictures
On Sept 2, 2025, Mark Chapman KJ5CBL, was invited by the Austin Police Department Emergency Management Office to attend a demonstration of a new early warning device that is designed to save lives during a catastrophic flooding event. Much like that of July 4, 2025 in Kerr, Hunt and Kendall counties.
The demonstration was held at Camp La Junta and Camp Vista in Hunt County. Two of these devices were donated by a company from Austin, River Sentry. The company is an upstart in response to the devastating floods we recently experienced. The technology behind these devices utilizes Meshtastic devices to transmit information using LoRA radios to other devices in the area as well as web based applications which would be located out of the flood area.
The devices activate within 7 seconds of a potential flood condition and activate a 130 decibel siren and warning light as long as the condition exists. The units are powered by a lithium battery that will continually alert for approximately 45 minutes. (See attached video) (warning loud!)
River Sentry donated two of these devices to Camp La Junta and Camp Vista on September 3, 2025. In an effort to help these facilities comply with the new state rules regarding emergency flood notification at camps such as these. Current prices are approximately $4500 per unit, depending on options.
These units will also be available to individual land owners who might be interested in purchasing one.
Be sure to check in next Tuesday at 7pm on the 146.64mhz repeater. We now have a live net monitor that updates in realtime as the net progresses. Check it on our net information page.
Doing a POTA activation? Got something interesting to share? Write it up and send it to me to have it put here on the website.
Several members of KARS are members or working on becoming members of the DX-100 club (Confirmed QSO with over 100 countries) There are several DX expeditions that setup temporarily in remote locations in order to obtain QSOs with sometimes uninhabited islands or other locations that normally have no radio operators. Below is a calendar of of planned expeditions from DX News.
Listed here are links to contests that are currently in progress or will start within the next 7 days. These links are provided via an RSS Feed from the WA7BNM Contest Calendar. KARS is participating in contests that are in bold with blue backgroud.
KARS members have a history of providing assistance to Kendall County EMS, Boerne Police and Kendall County Sheriff's Office along with other organizations local to Kendall County.
Every Tuesday at 7:00pm the KB5TX 146.640mhz repeater hosts the Kendall County 2 Meter Net. All amateur radio operators are invited to join in net activities.
We have 18 Volunteer Examiners capable of testing for technician all the way to extra class. Check out our testing schedule for new licenses and upgrades.