YACHT NEWS

YACHT NEWSLETTER  for January 24, 2026
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Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team K8KDZ
Connecting Young Hams, Creating Friendships, Expanding the Voice of Youth in Amateur Radio
Inspiring Youth with Enjoyment & Technology of Ham Radio
Sailing Through Radio Waves & Making a Difference
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website https://yachtyouth.net
website and echolink nets dedicated to the continuation and promotion of amateur radio youth

NET REVIEW…  Good group on board for Saturday net.  Youth ops include:  KC3RAP, KT0OTS, KJ7AGQ, KE2EVX, KE2BXH, W8ZLM, KE8ZYD, KJ5EWP, KN6ULC.  Additional check ins include KA4RCV, K3TEL, K7JKA, K3TEL, KC3CDU, K8LK, KG8CX.
*Note, I will be net control for our local 2 meter net on Sunday 7pm cst.  Stop on by and enter my log if you have time.  Always nice to have a few YACHT calls listed.
 
CHAT SESSIONS… Monday:  Checking in were KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ, KI5NOI, KF8CZF and KC3CDU
Tuesday:  Onboard were youth ops, KJ7AGQ, KE2EVX, KI8AN, KE8ZYD.  Also heard were KA4RCV, K5NO and KG8CX
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO… Gloria VA3LIG from the Canada Sea Scouts  https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=917848304142807&set=a.177076064886705

YOUNG HAM WORKS CW… Click here and watch Maggie KR4FTN work CW by ear.  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=stem%20amateur%20radio%20club%20n4tvv  It should be the first post in screen.
Nice work Maggie

YOUTH NET CONTROLS… If any of our young operators would like to be an associate net control for one of our echolink sessions, let me know.  A great opportunity for any of our youth.  We have some members who would do an outstanding job, and have had some in the past who did very well.
Also, send me some chat/net questions to include in our sessions.  That would be appreciated.

ON ALL BANDS… Another well written post from Katie KE8LQR.  Worth reading https://www.onallbands.com/ham-radio-youth-insights-bridging-the-gap-between-generations-of-operators/

MAKING FRIENDS WITH OTHER YOUNG HAMS… post from Katie on “Making Friends with Other Young Hams”.  On All Bands  https://www.onallbands.com/how-to-make-friends-with-other-young-hams/

WINTER FIELD DAY…  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1197365495919764&set=a.491262619863392

ARRL CODING COMPETION… for youth hams ages 21 and lower  https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Youth/ARRL%20Student%20Coding%20Competition%20-%20Specifications%201%20Jan%202026.pdf

HAMCATION 2026… DX Engineering interviews … https://www.facebook.com/DXEngineering/videos/1393384745121091

YACHT YOUTH RETURNS… Nice surprise on Friday evening chat.  Elijah KT0OTS from Carthage, IL stopped by and checked in.  He is YTY73 and is now 14.  https://www.qrz.com/db/kt0ots

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73,
Ed Engleman KG8CX 

YACHT NEWSLETTER for January 17, 2026
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Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team K8KDZ
Connecting Young Hams, Creating Friendships, Expanding the Voice of Youth in Amateur Radio
Inspiring Youth with Enjoyment & Technology of Ham Radio
Sailing Through Radio Waves & Making a Difference
================================
website https://yachtyouth.net

* The Evening chat sessions and Sat. Youth Net is open to all amateur Radio Operators, although primarily we cater toward Youth Hams.  Our nets strives for a safe space where Youth Operators can ask questions and learn more about this great hobby.  They can gain valuable info from those with greater experience of any age level.

NET REVIEW… Total of 11 stations connected up.  Youth ops:  KI8AN, KE8ZYD, KF8CPP, KJ7AGQ, K8LJM, KE2EVX, KN6ULC Japan, M7IQN Wales, KC3RAP.  Also KC3CDU and KG8CX.

CHAT SESSIONS… Monday:  Checking in were K9GVN, KJ7AGQ, K8LJM, AC1QD, KC1WST, KI8AN, along with AD3I, KC3CDU, K3TEL and myself.
Tuesday:  Joining the group, KF8CPP, KJ7AGQ, KF8AMV, KE9EKF, KE2EVX, KF8AMV 3rd party Andy
We were pleased to see Josiah’s sister, Victoria, KE9EKF stop by.  She is a new ham.
 
HAMVENTION 26 UPDATE… https://www.facebook.com/DXEngineering/videos/905467431903145?idorvanity=2291163531297241

ARRL CODING COMPETITION… https://www.arrl.org/student-coding-competition/

YACHT YOUTH IN UPCOMING DX-PEDITION… Violetta KN2P will be part of the So. Georgia Island group in March of 2027.  She has been a YACHT member for several years and has been part of our Hamvention team.  Read here  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10241839718866758&set=gm.24027462690284939&idorvanity=3093983840726129

ON ALL BANDS POST… Another excellent article by Katie KE8LQR on “Tips for Young Hams Making 1st Amateur Radio Contact Well worth reading https://www.onallbands.com/tips-for-young-hams-on-making-your-first-amateur-radio-contact/

CONGRATULATIONS TO MEMBER VA3BHT…  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=916293660964938&set=a.177076064886705

YOUTH REQUEST… This came in via our website.  He plans to join YACHT when he passes the exam and his callsign is assigned.
…”

Hey,

My name is Wyatt Zimmer, I’m 14 years old, and I’m learning Morse code. I’ve been practicing with online tools, and I’m hoping to continue learning with a real Morse code practice oscillator or CW trainer.

I wanted to ask if you or anyone in your club or know, might have a spare or unused/used oscillator or trainer that could be donated. It doesn’t have to be new I just need something to use to learn, I’ll share it with my friend. I also have a key and cord, but it’s useless without the proper equipment.

I should mention, I don’t even have my license yet, I’m taking the exam in a few weeks so.. I’d leave you my call sign but..

Thank you very much!
Please consider.

73,
Wyatt
His email is …  [email protected]

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73,
Ed Engleman KG8CX

YACHT NEWS for January 10, 2026 – New Years Edition
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Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team K8KDZ
Connecting Young Hams, Creating Friendships, Expanding the Voice of Youth in Amateur Radio
Inspiring Youth with Enjoyment & Technology of Ham Radio
Sailing Through Radio Waves and Making a Difference
———————————————————————
website https://yachtyouth.net

SATURDAY NET REVIEW…  12 stations took in the 1st session of 2026.  Youth operators included, KF8CPP. KI8AN, KI5KGE, KJ5EWP, KJ7AGQ, KN6ULC, KE2EVX.  Others on board were KS8O, KC3CDV, KC3CDV, K3TEL, KG8CX.  

 
EVENING CHAT SESSIONS… Monday:  youth ops KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ, KF8AMV, KF8CPP, M7IQN, K9GVN.  Others were KA4RCV, K3TEL, KG8CX.  
Tuesday:  10 stations signed in…youth:  KI8AN, KE8ZYD, KF8CPP, W8LIL, KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ.  Others:  KC2GTR, K5NO, KC3CDU, KG8CX
 
SUMMER YOTA CAMP… https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1309899144505730&set=a.626049679557350

DX CODE OF CONDUCT… https://www.onallbands.com/guide-to-january-2026-ham-radio-contests-good-etiquette-edition/

1ST NEW YOUTH MEMBER FOR 2026… Welcome to Elliot MW7IQN from Wales in the British Isles.  He is 15 and requested membership after I invited him to join.  Always nice to see a foreign youth ham climb aboard.  

W0AAE INTERVIEW… Kees, a YACHT member, is big into ham radio contesting and much more.  Watch his interview here and enjoy all that he has done and plans ahead.  A motivating and enthusiastic interview.  It runs about 37min, but is well worth watching  https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/the-sky-isn%E2%80%99t-the-limit-inside-w0aae%E2%80%99s-ham-radio-ascent.976798/

FOREIGN YOUTH HAMS… Anyone who, because of time zone location, is generally unable to connect up to our evening echolink sessions may do so via an email to me on the day of the net.  This is entirely optional and just gives our foreign members an opportunity to log in via email.  I will read off your name and callsign on our regular echolink session and any comments you make.  

COMING UP SOON… this weekend North American QSO party CW
weekend of Jan. 17-18 North American QSO Party SSB

GOOD THURSDAY CHAT SESSION… Last Thursday, 1/1/26, we had our 1st session of 2026 and a very nice connection rate.  Youth checking in:  KF8EKW, KE2EVX, KI8AN, KE8ZYD, KF8CPP, W8ZLM, KJ7AGQ, KF8AMV, N8APR, N8RCL, N8STN, N8NJR, N8KMR.  Also included were, K8APR, K7JKA chat box, K8LK, KG8CX.  I hope to see more good sessions in the new year.  Youth check ins are always appreciated and needed for us to continue our high level of operation and friendship for 2026.  
“YACHT for YOUTH in 26”
We also support Y.O.T.A. and other youth groups that we are aware of.  

MEMBER BIO PAGE… Our friend in western New York, Ivan https://www.qrz.com/db/ke2egf 

MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS ENJOYING HAM RADIO… 

N4SMS School Club

ON ALL BANDS WITH KATIE… Latest post from KE8LQR on belonging to radio clubs  https://www.onallbands.com/ham-radio-youth-insights-club-meetings-are-well-worth-the-time-how-to-make-the-most-of-them/

NEW EXTRA CLASS YOUTH MEMBER… Congratulations to Haley KE2EVX for passing her Extra Class exam.  She now has the capability for all amateur radio frequencies.  Many of our members have already upgraded  to a higher license level and more expected in 2026.  

OLIVER AND MOM… Our young member from England on his Mom’s birthday.. 

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73,
Ed Engleman KG8CX 

YACHT NEWSLETTER for January 3, 2026
Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team K8KDZ
Connecting Young Hams, Creating Friendships, Expanding the Voice of Youth in Amateur Radio
Inspiring Youth with Enjoyment & Technology of Ham Radio
Sailing Through Radio Waves and Making a Difference
=================================
website https://yachtyouth.net

NET REVIEW FROM JAN. 3… As we enter the new year, here are the results of the final youth net of 2025..
10 connections with youth ops:  KJ5EWP, KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ, KJ5NOI, KJ7MPQ, KJ5MFU, KF8CZF, W8LEM.  Also checking in was KA4RCV and myself KG8CX

CHAT SESSIONS…  Monday:  Following youth checked in, KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ and new ham KF8EYE.  Others were K7JKA, K3TEL, K5NO and myself.  
Tuesday:  13 connections, youth ops:  KE2EVX, KJ7AGQ, KF8AMV, KF8CPP, K9GVN, KI8AN, KE8ZYD.  Others included K7JKA chat box, K3TEL, KA4RCV, K5NO, KC3CDU, KG8CX.  Hope good numbers for Wednesday and rest of week.  Let’s start off 2026 with a nice group of check ins. Happy New Year to all…..

KIDS DAY COMING UP… on Saturday January 3.  Work youth throughout the USA, Canada and elsewhere on HF.

NEW QRZ AWARD FOR 2026… Here’s something to work on this year for anyone interested  https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/announcing-the-usa250-award.976740/
 
IAN KI8AN DOING A POTA CW…  

YOUTH MEMBER PAGE… updated https://www.qrz.com/db/kr4ftn
Congratulations to Maggie on her newest QRZ award.

YOUTH ON THE AIR CAMP APPLICATION  https://youthontheair.org/campapply/

YEAR END STATS… As we leave 2025 behind, I would like to mention that we added 53 new members to our group, with all but 8 being young hams.  I hope to hear from those who have yet to connect up or only have done so a few times.
You are the substance of YACHT and are the reason for us being a viable youth ham group recognized world wide.

OLIVER 2E0KQE MAKING CHRISTMAS DINNER…  https://www.facebook.com/789650346/videos/pcb.10175005939180347/1444184200398236

NEW YOUTH MEMBER RECOGNITION… With the start of 2026, I will begin awarding youth members the “YACHT VALUED MEMBER” certificate.  This will be done on primarily a monthly basis.  It will recognize support of our echolink sessions and overall amateur radio activity.  Many of you will receive this award within the next year or two.  
The 1st recipient is Haley Pendell KE2EVX.  Congratulations Haley.

WESLEY AND FAMILY… Wes KF8AMV, his brother and parents at a Christmas gathering.  Wes is on left side.  Nice photo  

TEST SESSION AVAILABLE… this message comes from Andrew KN4VKX:
…” A free, weekly, live, Amateur Radio Extra Class Licensing course on Zoom will begin on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will run through Thursday, March 26.  There will be 11 sessions.  The three-hour sessions will start at 6:30 PM Eastern Time.  Sessions will be recorded.  Those attending should hold (or be studying for) the General Class Amateur Radio License.  These are the classes that we have been holding for years sponsored by the National Electronics Museum.  Please publicize this with anyone that you think would be interested.  Those wishing to sign up should email [email protected].

CLARK FAMILY SINGS… You know this family from Florida. Here they sing “Winter Wonderland”  https://youtu.be/_KvCSE4P_WQ?list=RD_KvCSE4P_WQ

HAM RADIO STORY… Great article on importance of amateur radio.  I recommend this highly  https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/ham-radio-keeps-people-connected-even-when-all-else-fails/899088.html

PJ2T CQ WW SSB REPORT 2025… This was sent in by Violetta KN2P and includes several YACHT  youth members .  Nice story on youth working a contest  https://www.onallbands.com/youth-take-over-pj2t-for-the-cq-ww-ssb-contest-2025/

BROTHER & SISTER USE RADIO TO HELP BUS DRIVER… Another outstanding story on use of radio  https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/brother-sister-credited-helping-save-bus-driver-medical-128703347

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73,
Ed Engleman KG8CX