Wireless Women yl.beam #152 may 2026

Contents

• Helen Archibald, VA1YL RAC Amateurs of the Year
• Guides On The Air (GOTA)
• More From Canada
• More Awards: Daphne Newsum, G7ENA; CE1RT  Rosa Tapia; DL3CR Christiane Rester
• Île Roume (Roume Island) Los Archipelago
• Dxpedition 3X3A Île de Roume – Guinea (AF-051) / IV3FSG Elvira Simoncini
• Deena, VK6DEE & Mark, VK6BSA on Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• EchoLink
• Link,Calendar, Contact

RAC Fred (VE1FA) Helen (VA1YL) Margaret (VE2ZOO).jpg 

 

Fred (VE1FA) and Helen (VA1YL) Archibald: Amateurs of the Year 2025 and daughter Margaret (VE2ZOO) on Walrus island (NA-121)

Helen Archibald, VA1YL RAC Amateurs of the Year 
The RAC Board of Directors takes great pleasure in selecting Fred Archibald, VE1FA, and Helen Archibald, VA1YL, of Port Williams, Nova Scotia as the recipients of the RAC Amateur of the Year Award for 2025.
Through the RAC Amateur of the Year Award, Radio Amateurs of Canada recognises the outstanding contributions made by Canadian Amateurs. Fred and Helen Archibald have been pillars of Amateur Radio in Canada for decades. While the award traditionally reflects contributions within a given year, their sustained excellence in 2025 – combined with a lifetime of service – made them compelling joint recipients.
Together, they have organised and operated more than two dozen DXpeditions, activating rare Canadian islands for DXCC and Islands On The Air (IOTA). Their contest efforts have consistently ranked among the top stations in North America, with several Top 10 world-wide finishes in the IOTA Contest.
Fred is widely respected as an instructor, technical innovator and equipment restorer, having mentored numerous new Amateurs and restored historic communications equipment for museum exhibits.
Helen has served as President of the Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (CLARA), long-time net controller, course instructor and youth outreach advocate through Guides On The Air and Jamboree On The Air (JOTA).
For many years, they have opened their station for the RAC Winter and Canada Day Contests and have been strong contributors to Field Day activities, demonstrating operating excellence and sportsmanship.
Their partnership – spanning more than 50 years of marriage and decades of Amateur Radio dedication – reflects team work, resilience and service at the highest level.
Radio Amateurs of Canada sincerely congratulates Fred Archibald, VE1FA, and Helen Archibald, VA1YL, on being named the RAC Amateurs of the Year for 2025.
Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, RAC President,   February 21, 2026

Guides On The Air (GOTA) was started in 1985 as part of the celebration of 75 years of Girl Guides. It is an opportunity for Girl Guides to talk on amateur radio. The idea was for Guides to speak to other Guides on the radio. It spread from Canada around the world. Outside Canada it is known as Thinking Day on the Air (TDOTA).
Helen Archibald VA1YL, formerly VE2GGQ, has continued to operate GOTA almost every year since she became a ham operator in 1992. Since 1999, over 600 Guides and Guiders have visited her radio room to participate in GOTA. In 2016, 70 members of Guides Canada participated at Helen's radio shack. 47 girls or women spoke on amateur radio to 14 stations in Germany, England, USA, Belgium, Wales, Italy, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Canada.
  Helen Archibald, Hardwood Lake Trefoil Guild
https://www.girlguides.ca/WEB/Documents/NS/6/coastlines/cst-sum16.pdf

NV9L Valerie Hotzfeld 24 Sept 2016 interviews VA1YL Helen Archibald. Helen's been on 20+ DXpeditions  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nL6VWJCPFWE
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More From Canada  6 Apr 2026  
This is the logo I made for our inaugural ‘London Amateur Radio Club’ YL event. .  
We had 9 of our 12 YL’s turn out. We used one of our club registered call signs: VE3PFL
We activated at POTA location:  Fanshawe Conservation Area is CA-5936
Cheers,  Carrolleigh Cecile   VE3CBD
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More Awards
Daphne Newsum, G7ENA from England, awarded The Don Cameron G4STT Award, by RSGB 18 April 2026. This award is given for outstanding contribution to low power amateur radio communication

CE1RT  Rosa Tapia   66th All Asian DX Contest 2025 Phone    
Single Operator 15m Low Power:  #1 South America  #1 Chile
Presented by JARL (Japanese Amateur Radio League)

DL3CR Christiane Rester  Today the 18th April 2026,
I had the great pleasure of receiving the Pin of Honor of the District of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany). This award was given to me for my joint work in the L.M.T. Group. The cooperation in this group has always been special to me because it is characterised by commitment, team spirit and mutual support.
I would like to emphasise in particular that I myself am not a member of the district of Rhineland-Palatinate, but I belong to District Q. This is exactly why this honour means a lot to me, as it represents a recognition beyond one's own district boundaries.
This award surprised me all the more and at the same time made me very happy. For me, it is not only a personal honour, but also an appreciation of the joint work and dedication within the L.M.T. group.
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 Île Roume (Roume Island) Los Archipelago (Los Islands)
Latitude: 9° 27' 48" N. Longitude: 13° 47' 33" W.
 It is one of the three main islands in the group located off the coast of Conakry, capital of Guinea in West Africa. characterised by a tropical climate and rocky terrain.
Roume Island is the central and smallest of the inhabited islands in the archipelago and the centre of what remains of a volcano.
The village of Roume is located on the northern coast of the island, accessible by boat and sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean swell.  A palm grove occupies most of the arable land, which is not very extensive on this predominantly rocky island. Most of the island is walkable . The small island population has specialised mainly in fishing, and in recent years  in tourism during the dry seasons. (December – May) French is the official language, but regional languages dominate.
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Dxpedition 3X3A Île de Roume – Guinea (AF-051)
 April 11th to 25th 2026. Activity will focus on HF bands (80–10m) + 6m using SSB, CW, and FT8/4/2, single operator,  goal is to maximize worldwide QSOs and Roume Island  is a rare IOTA reference especially in Europe and North America. This DXpedition is self-funded. 

3X3A / IV3FSG Elvira Simoncini  (extracts taken from Facebook)
Yesterday evening (April 16, 2026) finally fired up the engines on 80m FT8, and the pile-up was absolutely incredible. It's a real pleasure to hear so many friends on the air. Thank you all for your patience if the signal suddenly drops... electricity here is definitely an optional luxury!

 It’s not all DX and clean signals here at 3X3A. Today, (18 April) the reality of this solo mission really hit home: my generator decided to act up. Out here, power is my oxygen, and whenever the engine stutters, my heart skips a beat. On top of managing everything on my own, I’m fighting the electrical noise that’s blurring the bands just as I’m trying to pull weak signals out of the static.
 Between hauling fuel cans and tweaking filters, I’m doing everything I can to stay on the air. I’m tired, but the game has just begun.

April 21, 2026 The 60m (5 MHz) band was buzzing tonight! For the first time, the 3X prefix was broadcast on this frequency, and the flood of calls was literally overwhelming. Being the first to make a connection from Guinea over 60 meters is an incredible feeling.  signals coming from everywhere, electrifying propagation, and the satisfaction of having given a "New" contact  to so many friends around the world..Thanks to all who patiently waited their turn amidst the chaotic signals. Guinea is officially on the 60m chart, and tonight will be etched in history!

Tomorrow, April 25th, my adventure here on Roume Island will come to an end. I will do my best to get as many as possible into the log before taking down the antennas.

25 April 2026 3X3A – Final greetings from Roume Island
There is always a moment, at the end of a DXpedition, when everything slows down. Tonight will be the last “on the air” night. Then I will take down the antennas, and this experience in Guinea will remain as memory and radio waves.
Two intense weeks, with continuous pile-ups and propagation that was not always easy. But also a strong emotion: bringing the 3X prefix on 60 meters for the first time and hearing you emerge from the noise. Thank you for looking for me, waiting, and listening—even when I was just barely there.  73 de Elvira, 3X3A
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Out-and-About Deena, VK6DEE & Mark, VK6BSA
are now based on Cocos (Keeling) Islands for a work assignment until May, possibly longer. During free time they will QRV as VK9BSA and VK9DEE on most bands using a FTDX-10

Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, comprising a small archipelago approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and relatively close to the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
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EchoLink   
 Even if you don’t have HF capabilities at the moment you can always join us on our EchoLink skeds. This program can be easily downloaded on to your computer, tablet or phone from the internet. Just google ‘Echolink’ and follow the prompts.. One doesn’t have to have a lot of technical knowledge to take part in these skeds, just a ‘Hi, I’m well and have been doing ................. ‘ is a way of checking in to let us know that you are okay. Questions are welcomed and nothing is trivial - we stalwarts have ‘been there, done that’ when we first joined. So please check in even if its just to say ‘hello’.
Don’t forget to be on your radio/EchoLink on Monday 4th May for our AGM. It will primarily take place on Echolink
EchoLink ALARA Conference Station - IRLP node is 9509
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Shirley Tregellas VK5YL
alara.org.au ALARA Newsletter Issue 197 April 2026

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/177qIj3UyABag6LUcXW9730lUuFYrE0t6
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0n International. Amateur Radio Day 18 April 2026 KD2JTX Doreen Bogdan-Martin, who is the current ITU Secretary-General, talked about Amateur Radio.    https://www.facebook.com/reel/979637937915352

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Calendar
May 1-2 South African Radio League AGM in Port Elizabeth
May 4     ALARA AGM: 1030UTC EchoLink ALARA Conference - IRLP node 9509;
               or 80M 3.635 MHz
May 10   Dia de Madre/Mothers Day - Carnations are the official Mother's Day flower
May 23   Grupo YL Argentina 7th Anniversary, created May 23, 2019
May 26    Sally Ride Day, annually
NB: June 13 - 14, 2026 3rd Annual Queens of the Mountains YL SOTA Special Event Weekend starting 0000Z on June 13 and ending at 2359Z on June 14.

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CONTACT     if any of your details change, remember to let me know.
 yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found:  

https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.com/
Italian Radio Amateurs Union: QTC U.R.I.
https://www.unionradio.it/qtc-la-rivista-della-unione-radioamatori-italiani/
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society  https://wosars.club/category/yl-news/
https://www.facebook.com/CT2ISX    YLs-Amateur Radio Ladies-Portugal
Ham Yl    https://www.facebook.com/ham.yls

Wireless Women yl.beam #151 april 2026

Contents

2027 Dry Tortugas YL Dxpedition Application
 International Women's Day YL POTA Party 2026
 AC9XK  Alexandra;   Japanese YL club, JLRS POTA
YL-WWA 2026 AWARD RESULTS  
YL Power:  DL3HD Heike,  PD0YL Monique, YB1TIA Tia
Results of the SARL YL QSO Party  7 March 2026
YLWRC {World Radio Community} Whatsapp
Out-and-About  Paula OK2YL in Belize; Mich – F4WEO/ TU5MZ Ivory Coast;
Elvira, IV3FSG/ 3XFSG from Roume Island, Africa; Grace  PJ2/K8LG from Curacao Island
Young Ladies OA of Peru, Faro Torre Reloj & Women's Day
Silent Key: ZL7QT Catherine Hannagan & OM Carlos Almirón LU7DSY  
Contact & Calendar

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2027 Dry Tortugas   YL Dxpedition Application
QST QST QST calling all YL’s to apply for a spot on the 2027 Dry Tortugas (USA) Team! For more information check KC3YQL on QRZ.
Link to application, https://forms.gle/FTf67meJDFwrqvzd7

 International Women's Day YL POTA Party
 AC9XK  Alexandra Auvinen Mahurin     9 March 2026
Today was my third annual YL Pota Party activation in celebration of International Women’s Day! This event continues to be one of my favorites of the year.
International Women’s Day is about recognizing the contributions women make in every space, and amateur radio is no exception. While ham radio has traditionally been male-dominated, women are active operators, contesters, builders, emergency communicators, and leaders. Events like the YL POTA Party highlight that presence and make it visible.
Wonderful weather in Indiana (USA) today, sunny and in the 60s, which beats the last two years which have been cold and rainy. I once again activated Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana US-2261 and it was BUSY (both on the air and at the park)!
Logged around 140 contacts in two hours. Three countries, 34 states, 21 CW and 119 SSB. 100 watts on SSB, moved down to 30 watts CW.
I ran 20 meters SSB for most of the activation and then moved to CW. This switch definitely required a mental reset. After working voice for a while my first CW contact came in and I couldn’t decode, couldn’t send, couldn’t….CW.  
I almost called it a day but decided to step away for a short break and come back. After a few QSO’s I got back in my groove, at least until my iPad died. There was also a bee that decided to land on the hand I was sending with…just to keep it interesting 
Grateful for every contact and especially for the women who continue to make their mark in this hobby. This week I’ll be working the YL World Wide Event. Some of it from home and some from a park. I’ll be on SSB, CW and FT8. This is the first YL WWA event so be sure to work all the YL’s that will be on the air this week!   73, 33, 88 de AC9XK

******

Yoko Matsuoka JS2IMQ

International Women's Day YL POTA Party
7K4TKB Yukiko Tsuji Maki     11 March 2026
On March 8, four good POTA friends of the Japanese YL club, JLRS, activated from different places—Miho from a snowy field after skiing, Yuko and Yoko from near the ham radio event venues, and Yuki from the heart of Tokyo near the Imperial Palace.
In Tokyo, POTA by handheld transceivers is very popular, and we always get many responses because of the high ham population density in this highly populated city.
We wore soft pink, like the color of Japanese cherry blossoms in early spring.
Even though we're far apart, our signals traveled through the wide spring air, calling CQ somewhere in Japan, and gave us the feeling that we were connected under the same sky. We each enjoyed the same activities in different places, which brought us a sense of togetherness and a bond as fellow YL POTA enthusiasts, as if it were a party up in the air through radio waves, and we were on cloud nine!
[#YLPOTAParty] https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ylpotaparty

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  YL-WWA 2026 AWARD RESULTS March 09 - 15 2026
Activators Mixed
1. DL5PIA Germany Petra Wurster
2. SV8OVH Greece  MARIZA TSATA
3. SQ8BWA Poland  Agnieszka Pasternak-Haczewska
Activators SSB
1. N0QQ USA   Sandy Raeker  DL1QQ
2. S55BA Slovenia  Barbara Sluga
3. R1BIG Russia   Raisa  Skrynnikova
Activators CW
1. DL5YL Germany Tina  Ockert
2. HA4ZS Hungary Suzy Leidal
3. IN3FHE Italy Helga Ferrante Picelli
Activators Digi
1. OH5YL Finland Sara Hautamäki
2. E20NKB Thailand JC  Goi  Muangamphun  
3. HK3YL Colombia  SANDRA ARANGO

Official: 299 Activators, 51 Countries
Most represented: USA 60; Germany 49; Poland  13;
Argentina 12; Indonesia 12; Italy 12;

Pure YL Power: The 1st. WWA YL was a success! 
What a week! On Sunday, the first WWA YL came to an end and the numbers are simply impressive: 300,509 QSOs were performed in total! 
234 female activists from 51 countries were at the start and showed what is in the amateur radio community. Especially our YLs from Germany have delivered well: With 37,945 QSOs they secured the title of "National Winner"! 
The highlights of German radio amateurs:
 Category All Band Mix: 1st place for Petra, DL5PIA (4,981 QSOs)
 Category CW: 1st place for Tina, DL5YL (3,112 QSOs)
 SSB Category: I managed to get myself to a proud 6th with 4,239 QSOs.
It wasn't a classic contest, but the live broadcast on hamaward.cloud  triggered a real addiction factor for pile-ups in many. 
A huge thank you to the 48.910 Hunters worldwide for the warm connections!
A big thank you also goes to Max (IW1FRU), Carlo (IK1HJS), the whole WWA team and my co-ordinator Veronika (DL4VER). This screams for a repeat in 2027! 
Did you also participate? Drop me your highlights.
DL3HD Heike Drechsler 18 March 2026
   Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club e.V. Bundesverband für Amateurfunk
=--=-=-=-=-==
PD0YL Monique Nuijten-Bakker's Post (from Netherlands):
 just watched some YouTube videos and I discovered that a lot of YLs had their first pile-up in SSB, all thanks to YL-WWA. In the past I had some like the same, but never had what Raisia (R1BIG) and Paula (OK2YL) do. They are great girls doing pile-ups. I did sometimes have a pile-up with CW. Spotting was very important so the hunters knew where we were.
I secretly hope now that we are also allowed to join as activators during the normal WWA. Because I really had a lot of fun and it just leaves you wanting more
                 =-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=
ORARI YL Community Post > World Wide Award (WWA) YL  2026 Activation
From the pile-ups to the long-distance contacts, it was a week filled with great signals and even better connections. Proud to have been a part of this global celebration of YL in amateur radio, with nearly 95% of my QSOs CW successfully reaching from Oceania all the way to Europe. A big thank you to all the hunters! YB1TIA Tia, from Indonesia.

 N0QQ / DL1QQ Sandy, 1st SSB mode  300,509 QSOs, 203 countries, in 7 days

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Results of the SARL YL QSO Party  (South African Radio League)
Saturday 7 March 2026 - 15 logs for the first leg  (6 YL + 9 OMs)
1st Esmarie Lotriet, ZS3EL – 147 points
2nd Sonet de Wet, ZS3SW - 124 points
3rd Gwen Moolman, ZS6GWN - 102 points
4th Dave du Toit, ZS6DDT - 49 points (OM)
5th Martie Venter, ZS6MV - 45 points
6th Lizette Scheepers, ZS6ZET and  (OM) Keith Barker, ZS6Hi - 42 points
8th Wallie Lourens, ZS6WNL - 33 points (OM)
9th Andre Du Plessis, ZR6AGA - 29 points (OM)
10th Esmè Walsh, ZS1YE - 27 points
11th Keith Lowes, ZS5WFD - 25 points (OM)
12th Walter Moll, ZS6BCI - 24 points  (OM)
13th Mark Walker, ZS6MDX - 22 points  (OM)
14th Roy Walsh, ZS1YR - 14 points  (OM)
15th Martin James, V51MJ - 6 points  (OM)
*****

YLWRC {World Radio Community}
ON5RS Severine Dobbels created a YL community to brainstorm with fellow YLs about "women in the HAM radio world" Are you an YL and would you like to join too?https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFwoQL8qnbvEGmy2sjtP8P

Belgian Radio Amateur Stations

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Out-and-About: Paula OK2YL and her OM Vlad OK2WX on holiday in  Belize  were active as V31YL & V31WX (IOTA NA-073) from March 9th to 22nd, 2026, SSB-CW and FT8.
NOTE:  Paula as V31YL, participated in the week-long YLWWA 2026 activity (March 9-15).
Belize is a Caribbean country between Mexico and Guatemala. more than a third of the country's territory is occupied by national parks and nature reserves.
There are also a large number of Mayan monuments.
+++

Out-and-About: TU5MZ, Ivory Coast  - Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Mich – F4WEO, Member of YL de France, reports:
My operation from Ivory Coast TU5MZ in 2026 has ended.
TU5MZ from the village of Motobé, made 7749 QSOs from 160 to 6 meters using FT8/FT4.  I used an Icom 7300 barefoot antenna, wire antennas: DH3PZ L-shaped HF5 antenna (+ 30/40 m extensions), KELEMEN 80/160 dipole, and a homemade 60 m dipole.
The HF5 antenna (2011), after 15 years of excellent service worldwide, stopped working after 3 days, despite careful attention to contacts. The Kelemen antenna, configured in an inverted V (9 m), showed a reasonable SWR on 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters, providing 7 bands that the matching network easily compensated for.
The 60m dipole, mounted as a sloper, operated on 60m and 6m, and then on 30m with 25 watts and a high SWR (working with the JAs every night...!).
Many thanks to the residents and dignitaries of Motobé for their wonderful welcome and kindness. Thanks to Mathurin for his warm hospitality.
Note: There was a 15-hour power outage at the end of our stay. Prolonged water cuts were frequent. As they say, "This is Africa!"
The temperature and humidity were high (32-34 °C, 95%).

+++

Out-and-About: Elvira, IV3FSG will be active as 3XFSG from Roume/ Rooma Island (AF-051), P.O.T.A. GN-0006, Guinea on 11-25 April.
She will operate 160-80-60-40-30-20-17-15-12-10-6m bands, with two low power stations and vertical antennas.
Mode SSB, CW, FT8, FT4 and FT2.
Elvira expects a couple of daily power outages that will force her off the air.

+++

 Out-and-About: PJ2/K8LG - CURACAO ISLAND

Grace Papay, K8LG from USA, was  active as PJ2/K8LG from Curacao Island, IOTA SA-099.
 on HF Bands. March 3 – 10, 2026
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeMNd2HbFV9HxPDbu2e
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069625084439

*****

Young Ladies OA of Peru,
“Faro Torre Reloj” PER-037, February 20 – 22, 2026
From the “Clock Tower Lighthouse”, in Callao, Peru, the radio operators using their own call signs were active during the American Lighthouse Weekend. Operators were:  Juan Carlos OA4EEE, Martín OA4EFA, Raúl OA4EFI, yl Diana OA4EIW, Julio OA4DXW, yl Sonia OA4DEM, Oscar OA4AMN, and Andrea OA4EKI.
The group achieved a good number of contacts operating on 10, 20, and 40-meter bands.
(Boletin Semanal OA - Radio Club Peruano    Edición No 07 del 24 de febrero de 2026)
 
The Clock Lighthouse became a visual and urban landmark for the residents of Callao, Peru's main maritime gateway.  Its dual function as a lighthouse and monumental clock makes it unique  among South American lighthouses.  Beyond its utilitarian value, the Clock Lighthouse is  a cultural asset that transcends the local to become part of the maritime history of Peru and the Pacific.

Women's Day Celebrated in Peru
Saturday the 21st,March 2026 our Young Ladies OA of Peru,  operated OA4O, the RCP station (Radio Club Peru).  A gathering of OA colleagues sharing their radio experiences.
 One of their objectives in operating the RCP station was to make as many DX contacts as possible, raising awareness of the Young Ladies OA by broadcasting their voices so that they become better known worldwide.
*****

Silent Key  ZL7QT Catherine Hannagan  
Catherine is SK  2 Feb 2026,  loving wife of Chris  ZL2DX. She passed away peacefully after a short illness.  Chris and  Catherine were active from Chatham Islands, IOTA OC - 038, as ZL7DX and ZL7QT.

*****

Carlos Almirón LU7DSY

Carlos Almirón LU7DSY   [February 9,1947- 20 March 2026] age 79.
became a Silent Key 21 March 2026.   He was an Argentine Radio and Television Journalist and a leading figure in local sports journalism.

This is very sad news and a shock. Condolences to his family and the greater family of radio amateurs. He leaves a hole that will be felt across the South American continent and beyond. The Southern Lighthouse weekend will never be the same without his guidance! I personally will miss his support of  the YL community. 

I regret we never met face to face, but I am pleased to have called him  'friend'  
Thank you. You go now to a higher frequency, RIP. 88 (ZS5YH) Heather,

Grupo DX Bahía Blanca  - His contributions to our institution and to amateur radio were numerous and significant. His legacy will remain not only in the history of the RC Grupo DX Bahía Blanca, but also in Argentine amateur radio, to which he contributed consistently over the years. Emiliano Gutierrez 

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CONTACT    Over time, people change  emails, callsigns etc.  if any of your details change, remember to let me know, otherwise you are likely to miss news & events.
 yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found:  https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.com/
Italian Radio Amateurs Union: QTC U.R.I.
https://www.unionradio.it/qtc-la-rivista-della-unione-radioamatori-italiani/
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society  https://wosars.club/category/yl-news/
https://www.facebook.com/CT2ISX    YLs-Amateur Radio Ladies-Portugal
Ham Yl       https://www.facebook.com/ham.yls

Unsubscribe: If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please email:  zs6ye.yl@gmail.com

*****

Calendar
April 18 World Amateur Radio Day
April 25 Marconi Day

Wireless Women yl.beam #150 march 2026

Contents
World Wide YL Award ;   YLRL &   ALARA
3rd annual International Women's Day YL POTA Party 2026
VKFF YL Awards for 2026
1st YL POTA Activator in E7.Bosnia and Herzegovina;
“CQ, CQ, II International Women's Day Diploma” Costa Blanca ARA
Lighthouse Weekend, 4 x YLs part of  Dxpedition N4T Dry Tortugas, USA
FAROS AMERICANOS/ February 20- 22, 2026
Out-and-About
   VU2JFC Saborni at Ganga Sagar 2026
   Yukiko Maki, 7K4TKB ;
   Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti (IZ0UDF}
   Esther (GI0AZA) Irish Mountain Goat
RIP: Sharon Taratula
Contact & Calendar

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World Wide YL Award registrations online now
 I am happy to announce that  the website for the world wide YL award is online now:  https://hamaward.cloud/wwayl

The event will take place from March 9th to 16th, 2026.
You may either take part as "activator" or as "hunter".
As activators please register at the above website and also register at hamaward.cloud - the online platform for logging your QSOs.
The hunters just need to go on the bands and enjoy the radio, no logging required.
Please pass on this information to all YLs interested. This will be a really exciting event!
Best regards, 73 and 33  Veronika Wigand DL4VER Sun 8 Feb, 2026

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YLRL Young Ladies' Radio League  17 Feb 2026
You can earn some YLRL Certificates in the YL WWA, March 9-15.
All activators are women, so it will be easy to figure out which certificates you’ve earned as you hunt the operators. https://ylrl.net/certificates/
See YL WWA Activators at https://hamaward.cloud/wwayl/teams?sub_menu=yl26

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 Let our voices be heard

To celebrate International Women's Day ALARA (Australian Ladies Amateur Radio)  will issue special certificates to YLs who make at least 5 contacts with other radio operators on Sunday March 8th 2026.  OMs need to contact 5 YLs.  Any Amateur Radio mode can be used.  For more details contact publicity@alara.org.au

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 3rd annual International Women's Day YL POTA Party 2026

Sunday, March 8, 2026     Activate a park during the 24 hour event window
Frequency: Any amateur radio frequency within your license class
Location: Any POTA Park (or Hunt POTA from Home)
Submit your POTA activations to the POTA Database.
Share your experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #YL_POTA_PARTY

YL POTA Party 8 March  https://www.youtube.com/live/avcWT14_V04

Listen 32 mins in to 2E0OHT / KC1OHT Shannon & W1GRL Marion discussing this event, on The European Ham Radio Show #136

POTA YL Activation?
Activators can signal their intent to be on the air in advance using the POTA website, so that hunters are ready for them. Activators log all the contacts they make and upload them to the POTA website, which then allocates the rewards and shows league tables for everyone involved.
A successful activation requires a minimum of 10 contacts (QSOs) from a park in the designated list, within a single UTC day.
HAM RADIO WOMEN   KC1OHT  Shannon Gibney  · 1 Dec 2023
*****

VKFF YL Awards for 2026
During 2026, the Australian chapter of the World-Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program (VKFF) will be offering this special award.  There are two certificates to gain.   One for the ladies who activate a park and another for those who contact these ladies.  Six levels of awards will be available for multiple of 5 contacts up to 30 VKFF references.  The award will run for all of 2026 and can be applied for via email to National Co-Ordinator, Paul VK5PAS.  
See the VKFF website for more details
https://www.wwffaustralia.com/2026-vkff-ladies-award.html
*****

1st YL POTA Activator in E7.Bosnia and Herzegovina  20 Feb 2026
My name is Lamija Kapic, callsign E77LZ. From Bosnia and Herzegovina;  Got my licence in 2015 as a support to my husband E77PY. Back in 2013 he decided to renew the Radio Club that existed (1970-1992) before war in Bosnia. We had no older HAMs, no existing HAMs so we started from scratch… We had a deal with teachers in local Elementary and Middle school to introduce technical education and knowledge in alternative communication… And before we knew it we have to care for about 50 kids! It was overwhelming! In order to help my husband I have to studi first HI. Get my licence together with my 14 years old son Hamza E78KH in first class that we organized. Since then I was a mother to all these kids, secretary, vice-president and president in the club when my hubby got back to US for work. Every year we have 7 ARDF (amateur radio direction finding) competitions across the country. That’s a lot of work and lots of travel!
I'm the first YL POTA Activator in E7. I’m a member of E7POTA Team, still a member of radio club E74AAX and member of Association of Radio Amateur in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
My other hobby is knitting, mainly socks. I can do some FT8 contacts and knit simultaneously HI, two birds with one stone HI. Hope to catch you on the air, 73!
*****

American Lighthouse Weekend, February 20 - 22, 2026
4 x YLs part of  Dxpedition N4T Dry Tortugas & The Florida Keys:
Molly W3NY, Angela N3ARB, Elaine K3MET, Elisabeth N7MEB,
W3NY Molly and Friends'  sailed to the Park in a fishing boat to be active on the third DX expedition to Dry Tortugas. Garden Key Lighthouse USA-316 activated from Garden Key, located near downtown Dry Tortugas.
Dry Tortuga National Park, located about 112 kilometers west of Key West, Florida, is a remote destination of breathtaking beauty that offers a unique opportunity for amateur radio operators to participate in a Parks On The Air (POTA) and lighthouse activation. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historical significance, this park is not only a haven for nature lovers but also an exciting destination for those seeking to establish connections and log contacts.
The Dry Tortugas are a small group of reefs, islands, and sandbars seventy miles from Key West. They are the final connecting point of the Florida Keys. Access to the park is limited. The only way to reach Dry Tortugas National Park is by ferry, boat, or seaplane. This makes the park a highly sought after contact in the amateur radio community around the world!

 Ham Nation episode 596 for April 9th, 2025. POTA Molly & Friends (start 16mins>47mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX15zk3qD8E  

*****
 XVIII° edición del "FIN DE SEMANA DE LOS FAROS AMERICANOS"
Cabo Vírgenes Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the Strait of Magellan  overlooking the South Atlantic Ocean, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina,. 133 km from provincial capital Río Gallegos. The Cabo Vírgenes penguin colony is located a short distance from the Lighthouse.
 5 x YLs, + 5 x OM operators using special call sign AY1X  were active during the Lighthouse weekend.: QRZ.COM  Operators: Yls: LU9YBM Bianca; LU3YL Liliana;  LU5ILA  Leticia;  LU9IVN Veronica; LU1VYL Marina  

https://www.facebook.com/djlunanqn/videos/1479082603774378

From Chile, Maritza Fredes Naveas CE1RFI  and the Atacama Desert Radio Club CE1DDA, activated the Puerto Viejo Beacon (lighthouse NAC-102). Puerto Viejo is a small fishing cove. It's a long journey by land, about 16 hours from Santiago, Chile
*****
“CQ, CQ, II International Women's Day Diploma”
Organized by the Costa Blanca Amateur Radio Association (ACRACB) to enhance the commemoration and promote amateur radio activities, this award (for a single contact) is being offered according to the following rules:
1. Dates and times: From 06:00 UTC on Friday, March 6th to 02:00 UTC on Sunday, March 9th, 2026.
2. Scope: All stations worldwide holding a valid amateur radio license and SWL
3. Bands: HF – 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 meters. One contact per band per day is allowed.
* Machine-generated communications (MGM) will be valid: FT8, RTTY, PSK, CW, etc.
VHF: 145.425 MHz (FM) in Alicante. 144.975 MHz (FM) in Málaga.
DMR: TG 21403 (Alicante Province on the Brandmeister network).
VOI: Peanut room ACRACB.
PMR: PMR446 – Channel 5 (446.05625 MHz, narrowband FM, no C-tone).
CB: Alicante, FM channel 25, AM channel 20 as a secondary channel during evening/night.
4. Call: “CQ, CQ, II International Women's Day Diploma”.
More info: https://www.acracb.org/
*****

Out-and-About

VU2JFC Saborni  at Ganga Sagar 2026
The Gangasagar Mela, the week-long Hindu pilgrimage that takes place each January  (10 – 17, 2026)  where the Bay of Bengal meets the Ganges River, is a sacred time for millions throughout India.  The crowd size makes it a perilous time, so members of the West Bengal Radio Club (WBRC), who have been a  presence at the Mela for many years, are deployed with their radios into the crowd, connecting with a central hub. VU2JFC Saborni Nag Biswas was active again this year.

Yukiko Maki, 7K4TKB from Japan, was active as T88YL from Koror Island, Palau, 28 - 31 January 2026.
The Republic of Palau, consists of more than 300 islands and islets surrounded by the warm waters of the Philippine Sea,

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti (callsign IZ0UDF} headlined the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026, at San Siro Stadium, guiding a young girl through a live, artistic interpretation of the galaxy. This performance celebrated science and humanity, featuring dancers representing a moving galaxy, inspired by the Voyager probes' Golden Record.
*****

 Esther with Dave EI5IMB, taken just after she made 'Goat'
GI0AZA  Esther JM Harper from Northern Ireland
Today I had the honour of being present for Esther’s (GI0AZA) Mountain Goat Award Earning Activation on her local summit, Benbradagh, Ireland.
The journey to this moment has been almost 10 years in the making for Esther and for anyone in the know, it is no small feat. Congratulations to Esther and of course to Ian by proxy (already a qualified Goat himself). An inspiration… 🤩  Take a bow.. 💪 

De Dave, EI5IMB. Irish Ham Radio 26 Jan 2026
*****

RIP: Sharon Taratula [ March 18, 1962. -  February 4, 2026] died  age 63, of New Britain, CT.
ARRL. (The National Association for Amateur Radio®) is saddened to share the news that Sharon Taratula, who served the League with dedication and distinction for 32 years, passed away on February 4, 2026.
Sharon joined ARRL on January 31, 1994, as DXCC Awards Technician. She later served as Administrative Assistant (1996), MVP Administrative Manager (2011), and from 2016 until her passing, as Award Manager. Over more than three decades, she became a cornerstone of support for some of the most recognized programs in amateur radio.
*****
CONTACT    Over time, people change  emails, callsigns etc.  if any of your details change, remember to let me know, otherwise you are likely to miss out.
 yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found:  https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.com/
Italian Radio Amateurs Union: QTC U.R.I.
https://www.unionradio.it/qtc-la-rivista-della-unione-radioamatori-italiani/
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society  https://wosars.club/category/yl-news/
https://www.facebook.com/CT2ISX    YLs-Amateur Radio Ladies-Portugal
Ham Yl       https://www.facebook.com/ham.yls

Unsubscribe: If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please email:  zs6ye.yl@gmail.com 

*****

Calendar
March 6 - 9, 2026. “CQ, CQ, II International Women's Day Diploma” Costa Blanca ARA
March 7     SARL YL QSO Party
March 7     Russian YL/OM Contest  Sat.07:00 - 10:59  open to all, YL's serving as    
                   multipliers. https://www.contest.ru/russian-yl-om-contest-en/  
March 8     International Women’s Day
March 8     International Women's Day - YL Parks On The Air Party (POTA)
March 9 – 15  YL WWA lasts one week,
March 10    NZ – WARO   Founded 10 March 1962.  2026 - 64 years ago

Wireless Women yl #149 feb. 2026

Contents

• Patty Martin, W5AZO 40 Years Award
• The 1st World Wide YL Award
• Parks On The Air (POTA)
• International Women's Day YL POTA PARTY 2026
• YL POTA Party - Erie Canalway, Spencerport, NY
• Silent Key   2E0PDQ Denise Carpenter    
• Silent Key Pamela Rose (G4STO)
• Contact & Calendar

****

Patricia Martin  7 Jan, 2026 Here's an article to use if you like..

Patty Martin, W5AZO, received her Award for 40 Years in Amateur Radio in January 2026.  An active, Extra Class Amateur, she shared her exciting path through the hobby with her OM, Jim, W5AZN.

"How fast time has flown. Such a joy this hobby and service has been as an FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator for 40 Years!"

"Jim and I took our first tests together in Dallas, Texas in 1986, and were thrilled to pass!! We were first licensed as KB5AZO and KB5AZN. We upgraded over the years through all the ranks up to Extra Class with 20 wpm Morse Code as a requirement in those early years. At that time we changed our calls to W5AZO & W5AZN."

"Since then, we've utilised this unique technical knowledge and skills to work disaster situations, participated in  Skywarn and RACES, Emergency Communication during tornados and natural disasters, helped save folks in a boat during a storm in Bermuda, activated lighthouses (ARLHS) and parks, (POTA) worked special events like airshow and hot air balloon races, worked in traffic nets, fixed and created radios in a Tuna Tin Can, antennas, and more."

"I was Certified and able to serve as a Volunteer Examiner for both W5YI and ARRL Helping others to learn Morse Code, and promoting the use of CW in various organisations, has challenged me to renew that aspect of the hobby, while encouraging others to join me."

"Ham radio friendships create a deep and special bond. Jim and I have travelled the USA, Canada  and several countries meeting up with various ham friends. We also attended State and National Conferences, giving lectures and presentations to various groups including the Scouts, youth and women."

In 1986, we enjoyed our first trip to the  Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio, where we met ham radio "greats" such as Gordon West and Bob Heil. We even ended up staying at the home of the organisers and met numerous foreign hams who we stayed in touch with for all these years.

I now feel blessed with literally hundreds of warm friendships all over the world -- with radio operators and their families and have visited some in their homes in Ireland, Canada, and other places!

Emergency Communications is an important part of our licensing. Field Day and other activities gave me the chance to see various setups, antennas, power options and even make contacts via Moon Bounce with the Dallas Amateur Radio Club.

I had the honour of being the first Woman Amateur Operator in the USA to complete all 3 modules of the ARRL Emergency Communications Course.

Jim utilised his skills offering service during and after Hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Ike (2008), as well as after the Shuttle Columbia  Disaster (2003). We've both been honoured to participate whenever and wherever Emergency communications was required.

In the 1990s we were involved with the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) and founded the Texas Radio Lighthouse Society to draw attention to the need to preserve and renovate these Beacons from our history. and in 2011 was named  "Lighthouse Activator of the Year" for 2010.

Since 2014 we've been deeply involved with Parks on the Air (POTA) -- earning awards in every category while enjoying the beauty of our National and State Parks. The unique challenges of operating portable from swamps to mountaintops (while handling enormous 'pile-ups') helps to keep us ready for any  emergency.

As we look at 2026, we have so much to be thankful for, but this aspect of my life has truly enriched and strengthened me these 40 years!  I would highly recommend it to anyone.

And, yes, I'm so thankful to Jim, W5AZN, for asking me to "study with him" when we first got married -- it has changed my life and given me great joy."

 12 Jan, 2026  It's been a hoot being this involved in Amateur Radio.

I'm 72 now and I told my husband, if I  ever have a stroke and cant speak -- just  get me a keyer so I can do CW, HA!!!   Can't keep a good YL down, ha!!!   Patty, W5AZO

W5AZN  KB5AZN- Jim Martin         W5AZO / KB5AZO  - Patty Martin
*****

The 1st World Wide YL Award   (https://hamaward.cloud) is planned for March 9-15, 2026.

Max IW1FRU informed Heike, DL3HD, the representative of the German YLs, about the WWA (World Wide Awards) at the last HAM Radio Friedrichshafen,  and offered to organise an YL Award.

We did it!

The announcement will be posted on the above website at the beginning of February. 2026

Unlike the WWA (which is still running until the end of January), we will not be forming teams.
Each YL can register with her call sign and then start transmitting.
This is sure to be a huge event and we can expect some great pile-ups.
Now it's just a matter of getting this information to as many YLs as possible.  
Use your contacts. If I find out more, I'll be happy to keep you updated. 
Please forward this information to all the YLs you know. ,  73 and 33   
Veronika  DL4VER,
Germany. YL - Referentin Distrikt Hessen (F)   Tel. 0151 27589550

Parks On The Air (POTA) is an amateur radio activity that encourages operators to set up portable stations in parks and make contacts from the field. The YL POTA Party is an exciting way for women of all ages to experience portable operating, learn by doing, and enjoy time on the air together. You do not need to be licensed to participate.

YU3AWA Marija an active POTA operator from Serbia.


International Women's Day YL POTA PARTY:
Celebrate Women in Ham Radio!

Join us on March 8th for a special International Women's Day YL POTA PARTY! This event is open to all female amateur radio operators and enthusiasts, regardless of POTA experience.

Date: March 8th, 2026
Location: Any POTA park (or hunt POTA from home!)
Frequency: Any amateur radio frequency within your license class
Note: This event is not sponsored by the Parks On The Air Foundation.

What to expect:
Activate a park during the 24-hour event window. Submit your POTA activations and share your experiences with other participants.
Connect with other YLs from around the world. Share stories, tips, and support.
Learn more about POTA and how to get involved.

Why participate?
Celebrate the achievements of women in ham radio.
Connect with other YLs and build a supportive community.
Have fun and enjoy the POTA hobby.

How to participate:
Activate a park during the 24-hour event window
Submit your POTA activations to the POTA database.
Share your experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #YLPOTAParty.
We encourage you to wear pink and/or decorate your station to show your support for International Women's Day!

Spread the word and invite your friends to join the party!
Together, we can make this a memorable event for all YLs in ham radio!
Event by KC1OHT Shannon Gibney, kc1oht@gmail.com

Similar YL POTA parties are held each year around International Women’s Day, with gatherings planned worldwide to celebrate women’s contributions to radio and their involvement in the hobby.

YL POTA Party - Erie Canalway, Spencerport, NY - March 7, 2026

On Saturday, March 7, women interested in amateur radio and portable operating are invited to spend the day together at Owens Lodge, Pineway Ponds Park along the Erie Canal in Spencerport, NY for a relaxed YL POTA Party.

Starting at 9:00 AM, the day kicks off with setting up portable stations and getting on the air, with plenty of time to operate, chat, and enjoy food throughout the day (we just need to be out by 9 PM). Bring your own portable equipment or operate from ours.

Please RSVP to Angela N3ARB and Matt K2EAG by email at brown@brownbuffalo.com .
You can also visit us at upstatenypota.com  
This is an unofficial event and is not sponsored by Parks On The Air.
***

Silent Key   2E0PDQ Denise Carpenter
 4 Jan, 2026  Good Afternoon,  Sadly I have to  report that Dear Denise 2E0PDQ passed away on the 26th of November, 2025.

I know she was well loved within the amateur radio fraternity.  She helped support the CHRG and help collect funds to keep three repeaters up on Caradon Hill in South East Cornwall up and running. Kind regards John G1YDQ

Bio. from QRZ.COM 2016: I'm married to John G1YDQ and we live just above the lovely fishing village of Polperro in S.E.Cornwall. I took the intermediate exam in December 2004. My Son Pete (G7VHJ) became licensed in 1995 also my Daughter-in-law Awen (2E1IFM) is licenced as are their children Karl (2E1IFN), Bryony (2E1IJL) and Richard (2E1KID). My Son-in-law Martin (G7UWI) has been licensed since 1995 and my Daughter Kirstie recently achieved the M3UWI call (2005) and their son Ricky is now 2E0UWI and younger granddaughter Abigail is now also licensed. 

*****

Silent Key Pamela Rose (G4STO). – 25th September 1944 – 11th November 2024.

Pam has been a member of the club since the late 1970’s having joined with her late beloved husband Joe, who sadly died suddenly in 1992. Both of them loved the club and the hobby and Pam following his death, was determined to fulfil Joe’s wish by helping to keep the club on ‘an even keel’. Taking on various positions on the committee, including the chairperson, treasurer at times and for nearly 3 decades as club Secretary. (Lincoln Short Wave club based in the village of Aisthorpe, UK)

Pam knew exactly what was required of her, she was a completely reliable person and was able to give 100% to our club business, despite many other interests she pursued in her local area. In the last few years, she also amazingly found time to have her hair completely shaved off on a couple of occasions, in a bid to raise, very successfully, much needed cash for cancer charities. She was a lovely lady with a drive that was the envy of many.

Pam was also instrumental in ensuring our club move from the Railway Club in the centre of Lincoln to Aisthorpe some 20 years ago, was done seamlessly, giving particular attention to the legal and planning aspects of the move. Similar support was given when we established a World War Two radio museum and radio shack at The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby in 2005.

Pam was a great team person, gave unstinted support to the club chairpersons and the rest of the committees over the years. She also involved herself in a wide scope of club activities such as administering our annual general meetings, arranging Amateur Radio Examinations for new members, sorting summer Bar-B-Ques, fixing up our annual Christmas Dinner and setting our Christmas Quiz to name but a few! She was also a very good photographer. Her photographs, together with their associated stories, appeared regularly on our club website and in our club reports sent to the Radio Society of Great Britain to be published in RADCOM. She was indeed a multi-talented person.

Over the past five years or so Pam has represented The LSWC (Lincoln Short Wave Club)  on The National HAMFEST (Lincoln) Ltd board who manage the HAMFEST at the Newark Show-ground each September.

Pam was objective, acted as a communication hub on all aspects of our business and just got on with it without any fuss! You knew exactly where you stood with Pam, she was direct and stated clearly how she felt about any controversial issues. She did not however hold any grudges and moved on from any disagreements, which was very refreshing. If you wanted anything doing well, well ‘ask a busy person’ – Pam was that person!

Throughout her illness Pam never complained, indeed right up until a couple of weeks before being admitted to hospital in October 2023, she was taking our club committee meeting minutes and publishing within a couple of days as she has done for years. She approached her cancer diagnose as something to confront and overcome. During her last year Pam was very proud of the many miles she had covered on her bicycle to help keep herself as fit as she could. The chemo-therapy sometimes meant that she could not meet us at the club for a few days as she was, of course, vulnerable to infection. She dealt with her plight with great courage and dignity, she was a remarkable lady, highly regarded by us all at the club. We are so grateful for her dedication to our club over so many years, she will be missed. Her impressive legacy will be with us for many years to come.  

Written by Peter Kendall, M0EJL, Club President

CONTACT    Over time, people change  emails, callsigns etc.  if any of your details change, remember to let me know.  yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found:  https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.com/
Italian Radio Amateurs Union: QTC U.R.I.
https://www.unionradio.it/qtc-la-rivista-della-unione-radioamatori-italiani/
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society  https://wosars.club/category/yl-news/
https://www.facebook.com/CT2ISX    YLs-Amateur Radio Ladies-Portugal
Ham Yl       https://www.facebook.com/ham.yls

Unsubscribe: If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please email:  zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
*****
VP8TM - Falkland Isl.    14 - 28.02.26
Ops: yl DF3TS Martina as VP8TM & DC8TM / VP8TM Thomas Mueller
Bands: HF;  Modes: SSB & FT8
Webpage: https://www.qrz.com/db/DC8TM
 They will be activating SOTA, WWFF/POTA, IOTA, and Lighthouse.
*****
SYLRA 2026 (Scandinavian YL Radio Amateurs) in Sweden on Fårö, Gotland
Date 3.- 6. September  REGISTRATION is now open

Calendar Feb 2026
Feb 7 -8  5 edición Fin de semana de Parques Americanos American Parks Weekend Feb 11    International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Feb 13    World Radio Day Thursday
Feb 13 – 14 2026 YL-OM Contest  Friday- Saturday, https://ylrl.net/#:~:text
Feb 16    Aniversario  de  la Creación del Grupo Yl Argentina (7)
Feb 20 - 22     2026  - 18th  "American Lighthouse Weekend",
Feb 22    Girlguiding   World Thinking Day on the Air; 2026 celebrate 100 yeas
March 8          International Women’s Day

 

POPs Continues... 2026 and on.

For many years now POPs has happened on a Wednesday morning at the West Rand Amateur Radio Club.

You don't have to be 'poor' to join in. Nor 'old' - scrub that! - 'Elderly' in newspeak. Or a 'pensioner'. That last didn't mean any of the other classifications either!

A quiet get together of like-minded individuals where a multitude of subjects would be discussed. Some technical others non-technical. If you were to sum up the years of experience it would be in the hundreds.

Yes there will be radios! Old and new - discussed, torn down, maybe even modified. 

Maybe even history discussed. Some times a presentation when the mood takes us.

--- Are you interested then come visit on a Wednesday around 09:45 at the club.

If you don't know where that is, look us up on WRARC
 

amateur radio ladies yl.beam #147 dec 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

• 2025 Queens of the Mountains K1LIZ award  goes to ZS5APT!
• Newsline honouring Adele Slier Tyler ZS5APT.
• Congratulations & Welcome New South African ladies.
• Elri du Randt, ZU6EDR cover of RadioZS.
• Pia DL7PIA YACHT Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team.
• DX Marathon Youth Champion: Pia DL7PIA  from Germany.
• Youthful Spirit from Indonesia Siti Fathiyyah Azizah (YC8BUL).
• Salta's Fiesta del Milagro “Miracle Fiesta”.
• Mountain Pilgrims assisted by YL Salta Group (Argentina).
• Out-and-About
• YU3AWA Marija at ICC  Istra Contest Conference, Croatia.
• LZ1ENE  Elena Nikolova, from Bulgaria climbed Mont Ararat.
• Encourage a Solo Sailor? Golden Globe Race.
• CONTACT 

*****

2025 Queens of the Mountains K1LIZ award  goes to ZS5APT!
SOTA (Summits-On-The-Air) Awards   9 Nov 2025
We are pleased to announce that Adéle Tyler, ZS5APT, is the recipient of the 2025 Queens of the Mountains K1LIZ award.
Adéle achieved several of the goals for the QoM event: she activated 2 summits jointly with YL operators, logged at least 2 S2S QSOs with YL stations, and made at least 5 YL chaser QSOs (exclusive of her S2S QSOs). But what made Adéle’s participation really stand out this year
were her efforts in recruiting 6 ZS YL operators and 22 YL and OM chasers from ZS and V5 to participate in QoM.
The event exists to encourage greater YL activity in SOTA, and the K1LIZ award is given to the YL whose participation captures Liz’s indomitable spirit to let no obstacle stand in one’s way. Adéle’s own performance, and her work to bring others into the event, exemplify these aspects of the event. Please join us in congratulating Adéle!
73  Amy Haptonstall AG7GP  &  Paula M. Uscian K9IR
https://reflector.sota.org.uk/t/2025-qom-k1liz-award-goes-to-zs5apt/39545
Lorene W6LOR from USA, SOTA - Queens of the Mountains 1st year, 2024

fb Amy Haptonstall AG7GP,  18 Nov 2025
Found this by accident on Newsline honoring Adele Slier Tyler ZS5APT for our Queens of the Mountains event. Fast forward to about 15:45, Nov 14th, 2025. Great note on K1LIZ too.
 https://www.arnewsline.org/
*****

Congratulations & Welcome New South African Ladies
RAE October 2025  RadioZS Nov (10 new YLs)
ZS1AGK Angie; ZS1ILL  Ingrid; ZS1KLY Kelley; ZS1MFB Marina
ZS2RJ  Robyn; ZS2SHM Shanelle; ZS2TAM Tamryn
ZR6AS  Ammaarah ; ZS6RT Rendan; ZS6GWN Gwendolyne
*****
South African  Elri du Randt, ZU6EDR appeared on the cover of local magazine RadioZS Nov 2025. She  attended  the 2025 YOTA Summer Camp in Jambville, France during August, 2025. .She gained her Restricted license in May 2023.
*****
YACHT Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team   
KG8CX Edward Engleman  co-founder of Y.A.C.H.T and activities coordinator wrote  ·14/03/2025: Just received a wonderful reply to an email from Pia DL7PIA in Germany.
 Thank you very much for your email and your kind words. Your information about YACHT was very interesting! I also had a look on your website. It is really fantastic what you are doing for our wonderful hobby and how you support young ham radio operators!
I am very active in amateur radio. For me it's very important to keep this wonderful and unique hobby alive. I always try to make amateur radio more visible for the public and to get more people, especially young ones interested in it. Especially when I am operating portable in a park or from the mountains, there are a lot of interested people, asking me what I am doing. That´s the perfect way to tell them about our hobby and to show them what we are doing. It is not just words, but something real you can see, hear and experience.  I think there is no other hobby that is as versatile and connected as amateur radio. I speak 6 languages and there are more to come. It's so great if you can talk to someone in his or her native language. Also important for me is to show other young people that it is not necessary to work at a big gun station to have a lot of fun in our hobby. I am still working here with simple homemade wire antennas and a Yaesu FT 991 A. Everything I have been able to achieve so far in world wide contests for example, was with
my simple equipment. Sure it´s maybe easier to work at a big station, but it's a great feeling if you can win a contest with your simple equipment and homemade antennas. Not every young person has the opportunity to operate from a big station or the financial resources to buy expensive equipment, but that doesn't reduce the fun and enjoyment you can have!
It would be great to join your evening chat sessions or Sat. youth net, but as you said, it will be very difficult for me because of the time difference...
It would be an honor for me to become a member of YACHT! I saw on your website that I can
joyn YACHT with filling out a form and I will definitely do that.
I wish you a good new week and hope to hear you soon on the bands!
All the best to you and your family and greetings from the edge of the Black Forest!
73 de Pia, DL7PIA

DX Marathon Youth Champion: Pia DL7PIA’s Story Will Inspire You!
Pia Wurster, DL7PIA, isn’t just another young ham—she’s a force on the airwaves. From learning Morse code at age five to earning her amateur extra-class license at 12, Pia has embraced ham radio with unstoppable enthusiasm. Now 18, she’s racking up DX contacts, winning awards like the Youth plaque in the DX Marathon, and even organizing a special event station to mark her hometown’s 1250th anniversary. Whether she’s operating portable from mountaintops or proving that ham radio still has a thriving future, Pia is setting the pace for the next generation.   W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio    4 Mar 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrglGU3o3bo    (19.3 Mins)
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Youthful Spirit in the World of Amateur Radio
Siti Fathiyyah Azizah (YC8BUL) Amateur radio operator from the Local Orari of Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Siti Fathiyyah Azizah (17 years old) succeeded in winning first place in the Malang Raya DX Contest (MRDXC) 2025 event held by the Local ORARI (Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia) of Malang Raya (Jawa) on September 20–21, 2025.
YC8BUL emerged as the winner in the Single Operator Low Power Indonesia Advance Class category with a score of 213,950 points. This result was obtained from 320 communication contacts (QSOs) and 55 multipliers on the 40-meter and 10-meter SSB bands.
Fathiyyah has previously achieved numerous national and international achievements. She received a plaque and international certificate from The Radio Amateurs' Magazine CQ for winning the Youth Overlay, Oceania, category at the 2024 CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB). Not only that, in the 2025 South Jakarta DX Contest (SJDx Contest), Fathiyyah also performed brilliantly by winning First Place in the YL (Young Lady) Category.This series of achievements demonstrates YC8BUL's enthusiasm and capabilities as a millennial operator who continues to develop in the world of amateur radio.
According to Fathiyyah, amateur radio activities provide many valuable lessons. "I love amateur radio because I can learn so much here, about communication, cooperation, discipline, and precision. Every competition provides new experiences and motivates me to keep practicing. For me, amateur radio is a way to hone my skills and do something positive," she said.
Author: YB8 FBLDrs. WAHYUDDIN
1st licensed  2021 (13 years old).  
https://teraswaktoe.com/siti-fathiyyah-azizah-yc8bul-bukti-semangat-muda-di-dunia-amatir-radio/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNz3ZNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHoR9iNJrvh5lyNTtT1sVNnDxJIL5iaOZb18IrgxufbAIt_c9Lz6scTqGgruT_aem_pAzdZ7RqdGuLbaklsIURpA
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Salta's Fiesta del Milagro (“Miracle Fiesta”), 
held each September, commemorates the aftermath of a particularly severe earthquake in 1692 when religious icons were paraded through the streets of the capital of Salta . More than 300 years old, the feast of Our Lord and the Virgin of the Miracle is one of the most popular in Argentina, attracting more than Half a Million Pilgrims.

Mountain Pilgrims assisted by YL Salta Group (Argentina)
Festival in Honor of the Lord and Virgin of the Miracle (Salta) September 12,2025  
A group of six women, all from Maywa trekking, three of them radio amateurs (LU8OMA - Marcela, LU7OAM - Malvina, LU5OIJ - Juliana), climbed the Manzano Pass, at 3,200 meters above sea level, to welcome approximately 100 pilgrims from Cerro Negro. We assisted with communications between the group at altitude and School 4106, where an operational base was located. Three radio amateurs (LU9OTA - Jorge, LU5OFS - Fatima, and LU6OBD - Dario) were stationed there.
We accompanied the pilgrimage, heading for the Paraje el Cruce School. Along the way, another radio amateur (LU8ONR - Ana) joined us, who not only accompanied but also assisted two others. Enrique (LU4OED) also joined the pilgrimage group with his portable flowerpot antenna. Information was also provided to the family of one of the pilgrims at the base. All communications were made possible thanks to the CRESTON repeater, which was installed at the school by LU5BOJ (Adolfo) and LU9OMN (Andres).

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Out-and-About
 Irina DL8DYL from Germany, active in Montserrat  
The Island Hopper Group operated from Gingerbread Hill in St Peters, Montserrat for CQWW SSB: October 25 - 26, 2025.
Montserrat, part of the Leeward Islands, is in the Caribbean.

OZ7AM Nadia from Denmark - will be on the air from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, as OX7AM, from November 26 to December 3, 2025 mainly CW.

N6LY Liz Morris-Mowrey (USA)  & I K0SQ Kevin Mowrey received our 5th Annual Alcatraz Island Special Event permit for December 5th, 2025. Parks US-7888 & US-0647.
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ICC  Istra Contest Conference  Croatia, Poreč, 9th - 12th October 2025
YU3AWA Marija Kostić, YL from Serbia.   16/10/2025
I am glad that I finally managed to organize myself and go to the Fourth Annual Istra Contest Conference that I have been looking forward to for so long!
I have to take this opportunity to thank the hosts who were so wonderful and I felt at home. A big thank you to all the radio amateurs from Croatia who participated in the organization, and especially Davor 9A1UN and Mirko 9A6KX.
I am very happy that I spent the weekend by the sea and met so many great radio operators! It was truly an honor to be in their company and learn from some of the best. Every lecture that was organized was fantastic, about many interesting DXpeditions and information about the trip itself and the experience. It is incredible how much their stories inspired me to try even harder and be better at contests.
I have had QSOs with a lot of radio amateurs before, but only now have I had the opportunity to meet them. I am especially glad to meet Denin KX7M, Aleksandar 9A3XV, Drago S59A, Mate 9A4M, Emir E77DX, Simon S53K, Darko 9A5X and many more! I have already agreed with some that we will work together in one of the future contests,
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LZ1ENE  Elena Nikolova, from Bulgaria  climbed Mont Ararat
Mont Ararat - Peak Ağrı Dağı 5165 m. the highest peak of the Armenian highland, is currently located in the territory of Turkey. Believed to be the last refuge of Noah's Ark. Ararat is a sacred mountain according to Armenians.
Planned period of expedition 03-10.08.2025⛰️ Ascension Day: 08/08/2025 climbing starts during night, peak expected between 06:30-07:30am local time, UTC+3).
The group could be followed with real-time satellite tracking (link) https://adventureteam.bg/live2/  Which will track where the group came from and when they are at the top (no mobile network coverage on summit).  so a satellite tracker is the only way to track the group's position. Data is updated automatically every 10 min. and will start transmitting around noon Bulgarian time on the day of entry (05.08.) and will continue until exit (09.08.).
LZ1ENE  Elena hoped to make  radio connections on the summit on simplex 145.450 FM for around 15-20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.  However, a strong wind, about 55-65 km/h, was blowing at the summit making radio contact impossible.
Equipment: Icom T90A + telescopic antenna Diamond RH770 dual band, 93 cm, 3 dB gain.
 Ararat Peak is not in the SOTA program.
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Encourage a Solo Sailor?
17 Nov 2025   Hello Heather. I am helping a female sailor to build a network of amateur radio operators to support her during the 2026 Golden Global Race. Could you please help identify volunteer amateur radio operators along the route, especially in England, South Africa, and New Zealand ? She will be sailing solo; please share it on the yl newsletter, the yl members might be interested in helping.
If possible, please contact me via WhatsApp at +55 51 9 9692-8812
73 de PY3APY  HENRIQUE SCHUCHMANN MORADOR  
[PY3APY is from  Porto Alegre, RS  Brazil. He has kept skeds with various Maritime Mobiles.]

Golden Globe Race
Departs from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 6th, 2026 and is sailed solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and returns to Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available in the first race 1968. That means sailing without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids. They will be navigating with sextant on paper charts, without electronic instruments or autopilots. They will hand-write their logs and determine the weather for themselves. Only occasionally will they talk to loved ones and the outside world when long-range high-frequency radios allow.
 It is now possible to race a monohull yacht solo around the world in under 80 days, but sailors entered in this race will spend around 250 days at sea in little boats, challenging themselves and each other. Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988 . 
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Wishing all a Blessed Christmas & Hanukkah - See you in the New Year🥳
The way forward is to open the doors wider. Equity- inclusion – diversity.
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Santa Net
Returns on 3.916 MHz for the 20th year! Starting Friday, November 28th via amateur radio, nightly at 7:00 PM (Central). The Santa Net will run every night through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.  Youngsters can talk to "Santa at The North Pole" via strategically placed operators (Santa Net Relay Stations) who relay the voice of Santa. Prior to each night's Santa Net, pre-net check-ins can be made at https://www.cqsanta.com/

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