2026 LARCfest Longmont Amateur Radio Club Hamfest

LARCfest 2026 is around the corner!

If interested in being a vendor click on this Link.. On the map any table marked in Orange is already reserved.

Current Events:

Laurel VE (Patriot VE) Testing from 8-10AM in the Clover building located south of the Exhibit hall.

Get on the Air (GOTA) Station located in the Southeast Corner of the Building. Get on the air and have some fun!

Club tables located on the North side of the building, next to entrance.

Come join us:

Purchase entry tickets online

Taking Vendor table orders now! Click on link to get your table!

**Volunteers needed – Contact me at [email protected] to volunteer. 

** January 24-25th – 2026 Winter Field Day – The 30-hour operational period starts at 1600 UTC on Saturday (11 am EST), the 24th, and ends at 21:59 UTC on Sunday, the 25th (4:59 pm EST). Stations may begin setting up no earlier than 16:00 UTC (11 am EST) on the Friday before. However, cumulative set-up time shall not exceed 12 hours.

February 21st – Club Fox Hunt – TBD

** March 14th – Antenna repair / testing – Clubs Spider beam. Time TBD 

** April 3-4th – LARC Fest  

** June 27-28th – Summer Field Day – TBD

** July 17-19th – POTA Support your park weekend. Looking to do a overnighter at a park and run radios for as long as we can for the club to help with the event. TBD 

** August – Boulder Parade, Foxhunt

** September – TBD

** October – TBD

** November – TBD – Thanksgiving Parade, Turkey Trot

** December – Christmas Party – TBD

As always if you also have suggestions for presentations please email the board at [email protected].

Starting in 2026 we will also have additional fundraiser for the club. Challenge / Collector coins. See w0eno.org for more information. 

LARC now has Collector / Challenge coins. History of challenge coins:

Challenge coin history blends ancient traditions with a popular World War I origin story, where a U.S. pilot’s squadron medallion saved him from execution by French forces, establishing coins as tokens of identity and camaraderie; this evolved into modern traditions of morale-boosting recognition, unit pride, and “coin checks” for drinks, spreading through the military, emergency services, and even corporate sectors as symbols of belonging and achievement. 

Collector/Challenge Coin #1

Coin 1

$15.00

Collector/Challenge Coin #2

Coin 2

$15.00

Excerpt: 2026 may be a turning point for amateur radio. From evolving regulations and GNSS coexistence on 23 cm to AI-enabled tools, SDR everywhere, and the tail of Solar Cycle 25, here’s what’s changing—and how operators can thrive.

Amateur radio thrives on change: new modes, new bands, new ways to serve our communities. As we head into 2026, several forces are converging—regulatory updates, maturing technologies, and shifting propagation—that could make the next year feel different from the past few. Whether you’re a new Technician or a seasoned Extra, here’s a clear, practical outlook and a checklist to stay ahead.

Key takeaways

• Expect national regulators to continue clarifying how 23 cm activities should coexist with GNSS.
• Solar Cycle 25 will begin descending, but HF will still deliver great DX—especially on 10–15 meters during daylight.
• SDR-first stations, open-source digital voice, and AI-assisted operating will become more mainstream.
• EmComm remains vital as severe-weather and infrastructure events increase—win with power resilience and portable readiness.
• Clubs that simplify digital onboarding (logging, FT8/VarAC, DMR/M17) will grow; clear on-ramps matter in 2026.

What could make 2026 different

1. Regulatory shifts to watch

• 23 cm (1240–1300 MHz) and GNSS protection: Expect continued national-level guidance on power limits, antennas, and proximity to sensitive receivers. Portable and EME activity may need more planning and documentation (station profiles, ERP calculations, directional use).
• Digital rules modernization ripple effects: With symbol-rate limits removed in many places and bandwidth-centric approaches growing, watch for new digital experiments on HF and VHF/UHF (higher-speed, more robust links, better spectral efficiency).
• Technician engagement on HF (US context): There’s long-standing interest in expanding voice/digital HF privileges for entry-level licensees. Even without formal changes, clubs and nets are increasingly building bridges from VHF to HF with coaching, loaner gear, and digital-first mentoring.
• Interference enforcement and RFI: Expect increased attention to consumer-device noise (solar inverters, switching supplies, LED lighting). Proactive station RFI mitigation and documentation will pay off.

1. Propagation and Solar Cycle 25

• Cycle 25: After a surprisingly strong 2024–2025 peak, 2026 enters the descending phase. Good news: daytime upper-HF bands (10–15 m) will still be productive, with more variability. Be opportunistic—watch near-real-time MUF maps and cluster spots, and seize short 10 m openings.
• Low bands: Nighttime conditions on 40/80 m may slowly improve for regional and intercontinental work as solar activity cools. Vertical arrays, receive-only antennas (flags, loops), and low-noise sites will shine.

1. Technology trends shaping the shack

• SDR-first stations: Affordable transceivers and panadapter dongles make spectrum awareness standard. Operators who log and spot from the waterfall will run more efficiently.
• Digital modes evolve: FT8/FT4 remain gateways, but conversational modes like VarAC, robust keyboard-to-keyboard on weak paths, and JS8Call continue to grow. Expect better automation and integration with station control.
• Open digital voice: M17 continues to gather community support as an open alternative to D-STAR, DMR, and C4FM. Watch for more native-capable radios or add-on solutions.
• AI in the shack: Expect smarter noise reduction, autoclassification of signals, smarter spotting, log hygiene (duplicate checking, QSL workflows), and contest strategy helpers.
• Mesh and low-power networking: LoRa-based APRS, Meshtastic-style neighborhood links, and lightweight telemetry will spread through clubs and events.

1. Public service and resilience

• Power is king: In a year of grid stresses and extreme weather, off-grid readiness becomes a differentiator. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, MPPT solar controllers, efficient radios, and lightweight masts keep you active when it counts.
• Interoperability: Cross-band and cross-mode skills—moving between analog FM, digital voice, NBEMS/Winlink, and HF NVIS—will be especially valuable during incidents.
• Documentation: ICS forms, frequency plans, and pack lists standardized in clubs will accelerate deployment and reduce friction.

Operating playbook for 2026

Band-by-band focus

• 10 meters (28 MHz): Watch for sudden midday and afternoon openings. Great for 10 W and simple antennas. Favor FT8/FT4 when marginal; enjoy SSB/CW when it pops.
• 12–15 meters: Reliable daytime DX windows. Excellent for modest beams or rotatable dipoles; verticals still do well near saltwater.
• 17–20 meters: Bread-and-butter DX bands across most of the solar day. CW and digital remain steady when SSB fades.
• 30/40 meters: Evening and nighttime stalwarts. NVIS on 40 m supports regional traffic; 30 m is digital/CW gold.
• 60/80 meters: Nighttime regional coverage, wintertime strengths. Invest in receive antennas and quieting.
• VHF/UHF: Leverage digital voice (DMR/D-STAR/C4FM/M17) and APRS; watch 6 m for sporadic E; try 23 cm with attention to local guidance and best practices.

Station upgrades that punch above their weight

• Noise mitigation: Ferrites, chokes on SMPS lines, and good bonding reduce fatigue and improve copy more than you might expect.
• Antenna agility: Lightweight telescoping masts, linked dipoles, and efficient tuners enable band agility and rapid deployment.
• Logging + spots: Use an integrated logger with cluster/skimmer support; automate QSL and LoTW uploads to keep your log clean and current.
• Digital starter kit: A clean audio chain (USB interface or good soundcard), accurate time sync, and a simple waterfall workflow guide for new operators.

Club strategies that win in 2026

• One-hour digital on-ramp: A beginner-friendly session teaching FT8/FT4/VarAC setup with a printed checklist. Send them home making QSOs right away.
• Portable-first events: Monthly POTA/SOTA/Field Days build real skills and social stickiness. Focus on packing lists, setup roles, and teardown.
• Mentored upgrades: Small study cohorts and on-air practice nets for CW or digital voice create continuity and retention.
• Interference labs: Regular RFI “show-and-fix” nights help members audit their shacks and neighborhood noise.
• Youth and makers: Tie in with microcontrollers, satellite passes, high-altitude balloons, and mesh projects to attract builders.

A practical compliance mindset for 23 cm

• Know your environment: Map nearby GNSS-sensitive facilities if guidance suggests caution zones.
• Log station parameters: ERP, antenna pattern, azimuth/elevation during operations. Directional antennas and careful aiming can reduce risk.
• Be portable-smart: If you operate EME or long-range portable, carry a basic station profile and be ready to adjust power or angle as needed.
• Stay current: Follow national society updates and club briefings for any 2026 changes.

Your 2026 readiness checklist

• Update firmware/software for your radio, tuner, and logger; back up configs.
• Build or refine a power plan: LiFePO4 battery, charger, fused distribution, and a solar option.
• Prep a grab-and-go kit: Linked dipole or end-fed half-wave, coax, mast, stakes, throw line, headlamp, and laminated quick-reference cards.
• Clean up your digital chain: Verify audio levels, CAT control, time sync, and macros.
• Choose one “growth” path: CW practice, satellite ops, M17/DMR talkgroups, or meshing—ship something new this quarter.
• Document your station: Photos, wiring diagram, and a frequency plan. Future you will be grateful.
• Engage with a net or contest: Even a few contacts sharpen skills and verify your station end-to-end.

Final thought Change is the constant that keeps amateur radio vibrant. 2026 won’t upend the service—but it will reward operators and clubs who lean into smarter digital practices, resilient power, clear documentation, and a learning mindset. If you pick one upgrade for your station and one upgrade for your club, you’ll feel the difference on the air.

Suggested categories: Amateur Radio, Operating, Technology, Public Service Suggested tags: 2026, Solar Cycle 25, 23 cm, Digital Modes, SDR, M17, DMR, FT8, VarAC, EmComm, POTA, SOTA

Call to action: What’s the one skill you plan to level up in 2026—digital voice, CW, portable ops, or station noise control? Share your plan and we’ll build a follow-up guide around it.

This net occurs every 22nd of the month at 1800 local. This net is for veterans but any one can join and listen to topics that involves Veterans.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Cell Phones, Amateur Radio, FRS, GMRS, and CB, including their general operating ranges.

1. Cell Phones

• Frequency Range: Varies by carrier (800 MHz to 2.5 GHz)
• Licensing: No license required (service provider subscription needed)
• Usage: Voice, text, and data communication via cellular networks
• Range: 1-30 miles, depending on tower coverage
• Pros:
  • Reliable in areas with good network coverage
  • Supports high-quality voice, text, and internet services
• Cons:
  • Requires a cellular network to function
  • May not work in remote areas or during network outages

2. Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)

• Frequency Range: VHF (144-148 MHz), UHF (420-450 MHz), and HF (1.8-30 MHz)
• Licensing: FCC license required (Technician, General, Extra)
• Usage: Emergency communication, hobbyist use, long-range contacts
• Range: 1-100+ miles (or worldwide via HF bands and repeater systems)
• Pros:
  • Can communicate worldwide on HF bands
  • Works in remote areas without reliance on infrastructure
• Cons:
  • Requires licensing and training
  • Equipment can be costly and complex

3. Family Radio Service (FRS)

• Frequency Range: 462-467 MHz (UHF)
• Licensing: No license required
• Usage: Short-range communication for families, businesses, and outdoor activities
• Range: 0.5-2 miles (up to 5 miles in ideal conditions)
• Pros:
  • Inexpensive and easy to use
  • No licensing required
• Cons:
  • Limited power (maximum 2 watts)
  • Interference in busy areas

4. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

• Frequency Range: 462-467 MHz (UHF)
• Licensing: FCC license required (no exam, just a fee)
• Usage: Personal and family communication, emergency use
• Range: 1-5 miles handheld, 5-25 miles with mobile/base stations and repeaters
• Pros:
  • Higher power (up to 50 watts) than FRS
  • Can use repeaters for extended range
• Cons:
  • License required
  • Can experience congestion in urban areas

5. Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio)

• Frequency Range: 27 MHz (HF)
• Licensing: No license required
• Usage: Truckers, off-roaders, emergency communication
• Range: 1-5 miles (handheld), 5-20 miles (mobile/base station)
• Pros:
  • No license needed
  • Works well in rural and off-road conditions
• Cons:
  • Lower power (4 watts AM, 12 watts SSB)
  • Interference and noise on busy channels

Comparison Summary

Final Thoughts

• Use cell phones for everyday communication, but they are limited by network availability.
• Use Ham Radio for emergency, long-range, or hobbyist communication—requires a license.
• Use FRS for simple, short-distance, unlicensed communication.
• Use GMRS for better range and repeater capability, but requires a license.
• Use CB radio for truckers, off-roaders, and situations where UHF/VHF signals might be blocked.