amateur radio ladies
yl.beam #146 nov. 2025
Contents
Argentine female CW Champion LU1EJ Elsa Isabe Andiarena,
Wallis and Futuna Islands
DX expedition to Wallis Island FW5K 20 October – 7 November 2025
RSGB appoints a new CW Champion Laura Robertson, MM7BFL
Letters to the Editor: W7KFI Susan Meckley & HC3MC Elizabeth Camposano,
Silent Key DU1MCM Cristy Miravalles
Contact & Calendar
Wallis and Futuna Islands
DX expedition to Wallis Island FW5K 20 October – 7 November 2025
RSGB appoints a new CW Champion Laura Robertson, MM7BFL
Letters to the Editor: W7KFI Susan Meckley & HC3MC Elizabeth Camposano,
Silent Key DU1MCM Cristy Miravalles
Contact & Calendar
*****
LU1EJ Elsa Isabe Andiarena, by Carlos Almirón LU7DSY Oct 23, 2024
Argentine female CW Champion
Elsa Isabel Andiarena LU1EJ, simply Elsita to the extended LU family, was born on January 25, 1952, in Cacharí, a town of fewer than three thousand inhabitants located 60 km from the city of Azul, the capital of the department of the same name, in the province of Buenos Aires.
With no connection to the world of radio, as a child Elsita was fascinated by the way people communicated at night on her maternal grandfather's farm, where there were two houses a little over a hundred meters apart. Using the gate posts, her grandfather and mother, with their ranch lanterns, would place interchangeable letters in the small window of the glass cylinder, sending short messages.
She had never heard of amateur radio, but she had heard of telegraphy, and knowing nothing about it, one day she decided to go and speak with the postmaster of Cacharí, whose last name was Larregina, who introduced her to the world of Morse code.
Self-taught, without role models, but with enormous determination and willpower, she went for more. She traveled to Azul to speak with the postmaster of that city, Pedro Favale, to whom she said she wanted to be a telegraph operator. He told her for the first time about the work of amateur radio operators, of whom there were fewer than ten in Azul and none operated in CW. He told her she should prepare for a test demonstrating knowledge of CW technique, regulations, operation, and transmission and reception at 5 words per minute.
Shortly before the end of 1978, when she felt confident, she took the test, being examined by Favale himself, who, very pleased with her performance, gave her an old vertical key that she still keeps. On May 7, 1979, she received her first license, LW2ENK. She got married, moved to the countryside, and with very little, began to discover the world of radio waves. With a large Cobra transceiver and a BC3 antenna for citizens' band, also usable on SSB in the small portion for CW on 10 meters.
With perseverance, patience, and many hours of listening, she gradually became familiar with the airwaves until she decided to try it out. Elsita recalls hearing a very strong Spanish station, EC6, in a QSO with the United States, which she couldn't receive.
She began calling him insistently without getting a response, until during a very slow transmission, the Spanish station indicated she should switch to a voice frequency. Although Elsa didn't like using the microphone,, in a rather unfriendly monologue, expressed her displeasure at him for interfering with their communication. With a few tears and evident frustration, she learned her lesson, and 24 hours later, she had her dream debut, communicating with DL6LD. That German station became a part of Elsita's personal history for having given her its radio mentorship.
Her progress was unstoppable, with so many daily QSOs that she would stay up all night preparing the QSL cards, which she confirmed through the bureau of the Argentine Radio Club. Her ex-husband, Ricardo Panebianco, formerly LU6EC, joined her, and amateur radio became a daily topic of conversation in their home.
After the first three years, she passed the QSL card exam at the Avellaneda Radio Club in 1982. In response to a written request, she was granted the license LU1EJ, a two-letter suffix, for faster participation in international contests.
When she reached the Superior category, with thousands of QSOs under her belt and a comfortable 30 words per minute reception rate, she began to achieve significant success. To avoid wasting time on confirmations, she delegated the QSL management role to Pepe Ardid EA5KB from Valencia, Spain, who sent her two packets of QSL cards per year, in addition to those from the RCA bureau.
DXCC success on 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters quickly followed. It took her a couple of years to earn the Japan Prefectures diploma.
The arrival of the new century saw a well-equipped station with a JVP antenna, dipoles for all bands, and a TS 450S transceiver. Linked to the Argentine CW Group, her friend Uranito Silva LU1DZ (SK) brought her an electronic caller from England on one of his trips, allowing her to rest during contests. Of the diplomas she won in international contests, she keeps framed the one from the 2006 World Wide DX Contest (photo 3), where, as a single operator with low power on 10 meters, she placed third in the world, first in South America, and first in Argentina.
Elsa Isabel Andiarena LU1EJ, simply Elsita to the extended LU family, was born on January 25, 1952, in Cacharí, a town of fewer than three thousand inhabitants located 60 km from the city of Azul, the capital of the department of the same name, in the province of Buenos Aires.
With no connection to the world of radio, as a child Elsita was fascinated by the way people communicated at night on her maternal grandfather's farm, where there were two houses a little over a hundred meters apart. Using the gate posts, her grandfather and mother, with their ranch lanterns, would place interchangeable letters in the small window of the glass cylinder, sending short messages.
She had never heard of amateur radio, but she had heard of telegraphy, and knowing nothing about it, one day she decided to go and speak with the postmaster of Cacharí, whose last name was Larregina, who introduced her to the world of Morse code.
Self-taught, without role models, but with enormous determination and willpower, she went for more. She traveled to Azul to speak with the postmaster of that city, Pedro Favale, to whom she said she wanted to be a telegraph operator. He told her for the first time about the work of amateur radio operators, of whom there were fewer than ten in Azul and none operated in CW. He told her she should prepare for a test demonstrating knowledge of CW technique, regulations, operation, and transmission and reception at 5 words per minute.
Shortly before the end of 1978, when she felt confident, she took the test, being examined by Favale himself, who, very pleased with her performance, gave her an old vertical key that she still keeps. On May 7, 1979, she received her first license, LW2ENK. She got married, moved to the countryside, and with very little, began to discover the world of radio waves. With a large Cobra transceiver and a BC3 antenna for citizens' band, also usable on SSB in the small portion for CW on 10 meters.
With perseverance, patience, and many hours of listening, she gradually became familiar with the airwaves until she decided to try it out. Elsita recalls hearing a very strong Spanish station, EC6, in a QSO with the United States, which she couldn't receive.
She began calling him insistently without getting a response, until during a very slow transmission, the Spanish station indicated she should switch to a voice frequency. Although Elsa didn't like using the microphone,, in a rather unfriendly monologue, expressed her displeasure at him for interfering with their communication. With a few tears and evident frustration, she learned her lesson, and 24 hours later, she had her dream debut, communicating with DL6LD. That German station became a part of Elsita's personal history for having given her its radio mentorship.
Her progress was unstoppable, with so many daily QSOs that she would stay up all night preparing the QSL cards, which she confirmed through the bureau of the Argentine Radio Club. Her ex-husband, Ricardo Panebianco, formerly LU6EC, joined her, and amateur radio became a daily topic of conversation in their home.
After the first three years, she passed the QSL card exam at the Avellaneda Radio Club in 1982. In response to a written request, she was granted the license LU1EJ, a two-letter suffix, for faster participation in international contests.
When she reached the Superior category, with thousands of QSOs under her belt and a comfortable 30 words per minute reception rate, she began to achieve significant success. To avoid wasting time on confirmations, she delegated the QSL management role to Pepe Ardid EA5KB from Valencia, Spain, who sent her two packets of QSL cards per year, in addition to those from the RCA bureau.
DXCC success on 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters quickly followed. It took her a couple of years to earn the Japan Prefectures diploma.
The arrival of the new century saw a well-equipped station with a JVP antenna, dipoles for all bands, and a TS 450S transceiver. Linked to the Argentine CW Group, her friend Uranito Silva LU1DZ (SK) brought her an electronic caller from England on one of his trips, allowing her to rest during contests. Of the diplomas she won in international contests, she keeps framed the one from the 2006 World Wide DX Contest (photo 3), where, as a single operator with low power on 10 meters, she placed third in the world, first in South America, and first in Argentina.
Elsa has a large number of trophies, plaques, and awards
from her extensive participation in contests both nationally and
internationally. The one she cherishes most, because it took her five
years to complete, is the large silver cup from the Argentine Radio
Club, representing "500 locations or postal codes of the Argentine
Republic." Another beautiful gold trophy is for first prize in one of
the editions of the Argentine Naval Prefecture Contest.
Elsita was one of the founders of the Azul Radio Club LU1DDO on May 27, 1994, and served as its first treasurer. They had the invaluable support of Luis Calabrese, head of the Amateur Radio section of the [unspecified organization].
Selvamar Noticias - Publicación No 58 Diciembre 2024 p 36,37
Elsita was one of the founders of the Azul Radio Club LU1DDO on May 27, 1994, and served as its first treasurer. They had the invaluable support of Luis Calabrese, head of the Amateur Radio section of the [unspecified organization].
Selvamar Noticias - Publicación No 58 Diciembre 2024 p 36,37
*****
Wallis and Futuna two
little-known French-funded volcanic specks lie smack in the centre of
the Polynesia/Melanesia region ocated at 13°18′S 176°12′W,. Comprised
of three tropical islands (Wallis, Futuna and Alofi) and a number of
tiny islets. It is located 280 km northeast of Fiji and 370 km west of
Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory itself is split between
the two main island groups (Wallis and Futuna) lying about 260
kilometres apart.
Fishing and agriculture are the traditional occupations, and most people live in traditional oval, thatch fale houses. Kava is a popular beverage. Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) is the only airline operating flights to the islands.
Wallis is famed as one of world’s top kitesurfing spots, with other attractions including sea kayaking, SUP boarding, scuba diving, va’a outrigger canoes, fishing and surfing.
Fishing and agriculture are the traditional occupations, and most people live in traditional oval, thatch fale houses. Kava is a popular beverage. Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) is the only airline operating flights to the islands.
Wallis is famed as one of world’s top kitesurfing spots, with other attractions including sea kayaking, SUP boarding, scuba diving, va’a outrigger canoes, fishing and surfing.
DX expedition to Wallis Island FW5K 20 October – 7 November 2025
The NCDXF (Northern California DX Foundation) is pleased to announce a grant to Hannah Rosenfeld, W7HER, to be an operator on the DX expedition to Wallis Island FW5K . She will be accompanied by her father Scott, N7JI, and the DXObsessed expedition team - Alex K6VHF, Dave KA6BIM, Hannah W7HAN, OC NG7E, Scott N7JI and Marc NC7M.
“She is a very active amateur radio operator, founder of the University of Oregon Radio Club, W7DUX, and a Youth Amateur Radio Leader. She obtained her Extra license in June, 2020, shortly after turning 18.
DXCC most wanted 09 Sept 2025 — FW WALLIS & FUTUNA ISLANDS # 96
Hannah - W7HER, will activate SSB FT8 RTTY
VK4DI Diane Main 20/10/2025 from Australia (ALARA) : WOO HOO: I just worked Hannah on Wallis & Futuna 17m SSB. A guy was calling CQ and when I called they swapped operators for another YL operator for me.
The NCDXF (Northern California DX Foundation) is pleased to announce a grant to Hannah Rosenfeld, W7HER, to be an operator on the DX expedition to Wallis Island FW5K . She will be accompanied by her father Scott, N7JI, and the DXObsessed expedition team - Alex K6VHF, Dave KA6BIM, Hannah W7HAN, OC NG7E, Scott N7JI and Marc NC7M.
“She is a very active amateur radio operator, founder of the University of Oregon Radio Club, W7DUX, and a Youth Amateur Radio Leader. She obtained her Extra license in June, 2020, shortly after turning 18.
DXCC most wanted 09 Sept 2025 — FW WALLIS & FUTUNA ISLANDS # 96
Hannah - W7HER, will activate SSB FT8 RTTY
VK4DI Diane Main 20/10/2025 from Australia (ALARA) : WOO HOO: I just worked Hannah on Wallis & Futuna 17m SSB. A guy was calling CQ and when I called they swapped operators for another YL operator for me.
*****
RSGB appoints a new CW Representative July 4, 2025
RSGB (Royal Society of Great Britain) is delighted to announce that Laura Robertson, MM7BFL has agreed to take on the volunteer role of CW Rep for the RSGB.
Laura will head up the RSGB’s Morse-related activities and is an advocate for the use of CW.
Laura is a member of CWops and volunteers in the CW Academy team as a co-advisor, primarily assisting EU-based amateurs who are enrolled on the courses. She is often active on the HF bands using CW in POTA and SOTA activities, as well as from her home station.
Licensed in 2020 as both KO4DFJ (US) & MM7BFL (UK)
Laura's Morse code journey began with the Long Island CW Club during her military service. After retiring from the military in 2023, Laura committed to daily CW practice and regular on-air activity. She joined the CWOps Academy for structured learning and graduated in February 2025
KO4DFJ (US Callsign) Laura enjoys operating from her home shack but has a particular passion for QRP field operations, participating in POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), and general QSOs
Continuing her commitment to the CW community, Laura leads weekly "No Op Left Behind" (NOLB) student-led Morse practice sessions for AC6AC graduates and current students, building a vibrant community of Morse code enthusiasts.
RSGB (Royal Society of Great Britain) is delighted to announce that Laura Robertson, MM7BFL has agreed to take on the volunteer role of CW Rep for the RSGB.
Laura will head up the RSGB’s Morse-related activities and is an advocate for the use of CW.
Laura is a member of CWops and volunteers in the CW Academy team as a co-advisor, primarily assisting EU-based amateurs who are enrolled on the courses. She is often active on the HF bands using CW in POTA and SOTA activities, as well as from her home station.
Licensed in 2020 as both KO4DFJ (US) & MM7BFL (UK)
Laura's Morse code journey began with the Long Island CW Club during her military service. After retiring from the military in 2023, Laura committed to daily CW practice and regular on-air activity. She joined the CWOps Academy for structured learning and graduated in February 2025
KO4DFJ (US Callsign) Laura enjoys operating from her home shack but has a particular passion for QRP field operations, participating in POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), and general QSOs
Continuing her commitment to the CW community, Laura leads weekly "No Op Left Behind" (NOLB) student-led Morse practice sessions for AC6AC graduates and current students, building a vibrant community of Morse code enthusiasts.
*****
Letters to the Editor:
W7KFI Susan Meckley 6 Aug, 2025
I
recently received a certificate of appreciation from the US Air Force
4th communications wing for 73 years of US MARS participation . At 90 years old I can no longer climb trees or go up on the roof of our building to install or work on antennas. Can't remember when I got my first license. I think I was 8 or 9, at 90 I just cannot do math anymore.
I can still do CW every day to keep my brain active. Having been a ham since 1947 it was finally time to lay my USAF MARS call sign, AAFZ4SM ,to rest.
It has been great with Ham radio as W7Kfi/MM solo sailing my 32 foot sailboat (USSV Dharma) on solo dxpeditions on the Pacific ocean. I truly miss being on the boat, at sea, with an almost zero noise level.
However all things must come to an end. I now live in the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport,Mississippi, USA where, thank goodness, there is an antenna for me to use on my K3. The bands are not free of QRN but at least I am on the air daily. 73's to Y'all from W7KFI/4
And thanks to everyone for
great QSO's over the past many years. BCNU on 20 or 40 CW. The website
is good on QRZ. MSG Susan Meckley, USA (Retired)
[Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS): is a U.S. Department of Defense program that trains volunteer amateur radio operators to provide contingency and backup communications for the military.]
https://qsotoday.libsyn.com/episode-109-susan-meckley-w7kfi
QSO Today Podcast Episode 109 Susan Meckley W7KFI Sep 2, 2016
[Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS): is a U.S. Department of Defense program that trains volunteer amateur radio operators to provide contingency and backup communications for the military.]
https://qsotoday.libsyn.com/episode-109-susan-meckley-w7kfi
QSO Today Podcast Episode 109 Susan Meckley W7KFI Sep 2, 2016
*****
Silent Keys
HC3MC Elizabeth Camposano, from Ecuador. 8 Aug, 2025
We deeply regret the passing of such great ladies of the air. May their example remain ingrained in the hearts of the entire amateur radio community so that this activity does not die with us but rather endures forever. 88
HC3MC Elizabeth Camposano, from Ecuador. 8 Aug, 2025
We deeply regret the passing of such great ladies of the air. May their example remain ingrained in the hearts of the entire amateur radio community so that this activity does not die with us but rather endures forever. 88
******
Silent Key
The Philippine Amateur Radio
Association, Inc. (PARA) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the
family and loved ones of DU1MCM Cristy Miravalles (S/k) former PARA
Secretariat/Staff.
Her dedication, kindness, and years of loyal service to PARA will always be remembered and appreciated by the entire ham radio community.
Rest peacefully, Cristy. You will forever remain in our hearts. 73 and goodbye.
*****
Her dedication, kindness, and years of loyal service to PARA will always be remembered and appreciated by the entire ham radio community.
Rest peacefully, Cristy. You will forever remain in our hearts. 73 and goodbye.
*****
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
*****
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
*****
N9H HEDY LAMARR DAY ON NOVEMBER 9TH 2025.
For the 10th year this special event net will be on at 9am est, (14:00 UTC)
ECHOLINK on the *ROC-HAM* Conference Server Node 531091
ALLSTAR Nodes 2585, 47620, 47918
DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
DMR Extended Freedom Network Talk Group 2585
Extended Freedom Network SIP Portal 2585
The net which will run for 4 hours or longer depending on the number of stations checking in.
HF on 20 Meters at 14.313
For the 10th year this special event net will be on at 9am est, (14:00 UTC)
ECHOLINK on the *ROC-HAM* Conference Server Node 531091
ALLSTAR Nodes 2585, 47620, 47918
DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
DMR Extended Freedom Network Talk Group 2585
Extended Freedom Network SIP Portal 2585
The net which will run for 4 hours or longer depending on the number of stations checking in.
HF on 20 Meters at 14.313
Calendar November 2025
Nov YL NTX Weekly Net Anniversary, started 2015
Nov 1 All Saints’ Day Silent Key Memorial Contest Mode: CW only
Nov. 2 Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos
Nov 2, 1941 84th Birthday CO6MQ MARIA DEL CARMEN (MARY) RUIZ PEREZ Cuba
Nov 4-7 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC) 2025
Nov 5 Brasil – Dia Nacional do Radioamador (Day of Radio Amateurs).annually
Nov 9, 96 Birthday PT2TF-Therezinha Felix Cardoso DOB 10 Nov 1929
Nov YL NTX Weekly Net Anniversary, started 2015
Nov 1 All Saints’ Day Silent Key Memorial Contest Mode: CW only
Nov. 2 Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos
Nov 2, 1941 84th Birthday CO6MQ MARIA DEL CARMEN (MARY) RUIZ PEREZ Cuba
Nov 4-7 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC) 2025
Nov 5 Brasil – Dia Nacional do Radioamador (Day of Radio Amateurs).annually
Nov 9, 96 Birthday PT2TF-Therezinha Felix Cardoso DOB 10 Nov 1929
Nov 9 Japan Ladies Radio Society (JLRS) "YL CQ Day"2nd Sunday of every month!
Nov 9 Hedy Lamarr Day (Keep your 88's straight)
Nov 9 Hedy Lamarr Day (Keep your 88's straight)
