13 Colonies Special Event

Now that everyone has survived Field Day it’s time to set our sights on the next event- the 13 Colonies Special Event Stations!  If you’ve never worked this special event, it’s a great time that comes with a fun reward at the end.  The event is in honor of Independence Day and the birth of the Republic.

Starting Tuesday, June 30 and running through Sunday, July 5, there will be a total of 15 special event stations on the air on HF (and, in the case of Wm3PEN, on D-Star!).  There will be stations in each of the original 13 Colonies, and two additional stations: one in Philadelphia, and one in Durham, England.  The goal is to work all 15 stations.  Once you’ve accomplished that, you’re eligible to request this year’s event certificate, showcasing patriots from each of the colonies.  If you also work the two additional stations, your certificate will arrive with a special endorsement for each of those.  The stations will use various modes including CW, SSB, RTTY, and PSK31.

Additionally, each station has its own annual QSL card with information about a patriot from that colony on it.  Getting them is as easy as sending your card with a SASL to the QSL manager for each station and waiting for the card in return.  Receiving all 15 QSL cards and the certificate makes for a nice collection to share with friends and family.

To top it all off, two of our very own club members will be event operators for North Carolina using the K2J call sign!  Jesse Lindley, K4AX, and Cameron Conover, AJ4TW will be operating as K2J during the event.  Be sure to look for them on the bands!

If you’d like more information about the event, you can find it at the official website here.  Check the spotting sites frequently and you’ll have all 15 stations in your log in no time!

Good luck, have fun, and Happy Independence Day!