Kick off the summer on the air! June beckons with great operating events and contests. In addition to Field Day (June 27-28), here are just a few to circle on your calendar:
PVRC Reunion (June 6-7) June 6, 000Z to 0200Z, June 7, 000Z to 0200Z. This annual event hosted by the Potomac Valley Radio Club welcomes both PVRC members and non-members to participate in two, two-hour SSB/CW sessions centered on the “47s” to celebrate the founding of PVRC in 1947. Read more about the Potomac Valley Radio Club here.
ARRL June VHF Contest (June 13-15) 1800Z to 0259Z. For amateurs in the U.S. and Canada to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degree x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. All legal modes are permitted.
SMIRK Contest (June 13-14) 000Z to 2359Z. Hams from around the world will be gathering on the air for SMIRK’s (Six Meter International Radio Klub) annual tribute to the “Magic Band.” From the group’s website: “It’s loads of fun. You can meet SMIRK members or become a SMIRK member during this contest. Just call ‘CQ SMIRK’ and you are sure to get some answers.” Need to prepare? Read this OnAllBands blog, “The Hows and Whys of Operating on Two Meters or Six During the Summer Months” by Sean Kutzko, KX9X.
ARRL Kids Day (June 20) 1800Z to 2359Z. Here’s a great chance to introduce a son, daughter, or grandchild to the fun of Ham Radio. Keep in mind social distancing, of course, as you let the young people in your life experience the same thrill you felt when making your first QSOs.
Stew Perry Topband Challenge (June 20-21) 1500Z to 1500Z. Hams can enter this annual 160 meter, CW-only contest as “single operator or multi-operator; high, low or QRP power. High power is 1,500 watts output or whatever you can legally run in your country, whichever is less. Low power is 100 watts or less output. QRP is 5 watts or less, per the Stew Perry website. The challenge uniquely awards QSO point values based on distance between stations. Click here for complete rules.
Also check out these state QSO parties:
- Kentucky: June 6-7 (1300Z to 1300Z)
- West Virginia: June 20-21 (1600Z to 0400Z)
