Right now, the 13 Colonies special event is up and running (as of the time this article posted) and from the "on air pile ups" seems to be very popular. Just a few days ago it was the Lewis & Clark Trail Event. What are these special event stations and how can I get in on all the fun?
ARRL Special Event Stations are temporary amateur radio stations set up to commemorate special occasions or historical events. These stations often operate with unique call signs and may offer special QSL cards or certificates to those who make contact.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
Commemorative Operations:
Special Event Stations are a way for amateur radio operators to celebrate and acknowledge a specific event, anniversary, or historical moment. -
Unique Call Signs:
They often utilize a special call sign, sometimes a vanity call sign or a 1x1 call sign (a single letter, single digit, single letter format). -
Limited Duration:
These stations are typically active for a short period, usually tied to the event they are commemorating. -
QSL Cards and Certificates:
Many Special Event Stations provide commemorative QSL cards or certificates to those who successfully make contact with them, further marking the event. -
Examples:
These events can range from museum ship weekends to celebrations of local historical milestones. -
Historical Significance:
Many special event stations commemorate historical events, anniversaries, or notable figures, allowing operators to connect with the past through radio.
Examples of popular ARRL special event stations:
-
13 Colonies Special Event:
A multi-station event held each July commemorating the original 13 American colonies, with each station representing a different colony. -
USS Midway Museum Ship:
The station NI6IW, operating from the USS Midway Museum, commemorates various Navy and Marine Corps events, including the US Navy birthday and Veterans Day. -
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival:
The station K9A operates during the festival in Auburn, Indiana, celebrating the historic Auburn Cord Duesenberg automobiles. -
Local Club Anniversaries:
Many amateur radio clubs organize special events to celebrate their own anniversaries or significant milestones, such as the 80th anniversary of the Radio Association of Erie. -
Events at Historic Sites:
Some special event stations operate from historic locations, such as Thomas Edison State Park, where the New Jersey Emergency Communications Team honored National Inventors' Day as N2I, according to OnAllBands.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) provides resources and guidelines for setting up and operating Special Event Stations, including a searchable calendar of events.