Wireless Women yl.beam #153 june 2026

Contents
YL SOTA Special Event Weekend  'Queens of the Mountains'
What & why SOTA
SOTA Getting started made easy
From Skirts to Summits - The Cholita Climbers of Bolivia
YL Meet Ham Radio Fair Friedrichshafen 26- 28 June, 2026
Elvira Simoncini, IV3FSG, inducted into DX Hall of Fame
Radioaficionados YL Salta (Argentina)
Calendar & Contact
*****
logo below kindly designed by Lesley Perchman

YL SOTA Special Event Weekend  'Queens of the Mountains'
3rd Annual event starting 0000Z on June 13 and ending at 2359Z on June 14, 2026.
YLs from around the world to activate summits.
YL to YL DX QSOs will be recognised with a WWW-World Wide Women's certificate.

'Queens of the Mountains' was created with the intention of bringing YLs together to foster camaraderie, inspire women to try SOTA, and shine light on how supportive and welcoming ham radio, particularly SOTA, is to women.
Inaugurated in June 2024, the QoM Liz Burns K1LIZ Award is given to the YL whose participation captures Liz’s indomitable spirit to let no obstacle stand in her way.
2024 Recipient: Lorene Samoska, W6LOR
2025 Recipient: Adele Tyler, ZS5APT

What & why SOTA
YO6EVA Eva Kelemen Gajdo, reached a thousand points in May 2018 becoming the 1st YL Mountain Goat in Romania. In order to understand why YO6EVA Eva should have been broadcasting radio signals from the highest peak in the Alps and what activation means we need to introduce the radio-sport called SOTA. The acronym comes from 'Summits on the Air'. 
Launched in 2002 by radio amateurs who combined their passion for radio with mountaineering. It is a fun and challenging activity that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas. SOTA has been designed to make participation possible for everyone – you don’t have to be a mountaineer! The peaks score between 1 and 10 according to their height.
There are awards for activators (those who hike to the summits) and chasers (those who operate from home, a local hilltop, or another summit).
After earning a thousand points (1000), the competitor is awarded the title 'Mountain Goat' and receives a trophy. There are no fees and you can participate on your own schedule. 
SOTA has hundreds of participants in Associations across the World, all sharing the same award ethos and infrastructure. Note that SOTA is an award programme not a club or society; as such you can't be a "Member" of SOTA but you can certainly be a participant!
More info: https://www.sota.org.uk
ZS5APT Adele, 2x Mountain Goat from South Africa says: There is still nothing quite like setting up a portable station on a summit, calling “CQ SOTA”, and hearing someone answer your call.

SOTA Getting started made easy Register atsota.org.uk
Choose an easy summit nearby (check SOTAwatch or SOTLAS)
Start with existing gear — a handheld on 2 m is enough for a first activation
Announce your activation on SOTAwatch so chasers are ready
Climb the summit, operate, enjoy
SOTA is one of the most rewarding activities in amateur radio. You are outdoors in nature, getting exercise and operating amateur radio at the same time. The combination of mountain hiking and radio creates experiences you would never have sitting at a desk. And the view from the summit comes free of charge. 73 – youroeradio.ateditorial team
https://oeradio.at/en/sota-in-austria-operating-from-summit-to-summit/

Editorial note:The following story has nothing to do with radio but I was impressed by the attitude of these women from Bolivia and hope you will be too. Climbing Cholitas, a group of Indigenous women are on a mission to reclaim their power. One climb at a time, they endure tough routes at extreme altitudes, all while wearing traditional pollera skirts as an act of resistance. Mountains do not discriminate and neither do radio-waves. You do not have to climb the highest peaks, just head for your local hill-top in a frilly frock, sprinkle some sparkles on your radios and call CQ. Please share your stories and pictures on Social Media and with me. Have fun. 33 Heather ZS5YH

From Skirts to Summits- Julia Kursten
The Cholita Climbers of Bolivia, or Las Cholitas Escaladoras Bolivianas, are a group of Indigenous, Aymara, women mountaineers who climb peaks in Latin America. They do not wear modern mountaineering clothing, preferring instead their traditional costumes including polleras, brightly colored, full, pleated skirts with many under skirts. They do wear helmets and boots and use crampons, ice picks and ropes but carry their equipment on their backs in traditional shawls.
The group was founded in 2015 by local women including Cecilia Llusco Alaña. The women are part of a tight knit community who work and live in the mountains. Their most notable expedition was on January 23, 2019 when they became the first Aymara women to summit Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.
History
The Cholita climbers live in the cities of La Paz and El Alto, and so are accustomed to high altitude conditions. The women range from 24 to 50 years old. Many of them have family or work connections to mountaineering. For example, Cecilia Llusco Alaña started helping her father, a trekking guide, at the age of eight. Others in the group have partners who are climbers or have themselves worked as porters or high mountain cooks on climbing expeditions.
In 2015, eleven Cholitas Escaladoras, led by mountain cook Lidia Huayllas Estrada, made it to the summit of Huayna Potosí, a 6,088 meter high peak in Bolivia, in a single attempt.
They then decided to climb mountains all over Latin America, despite the fact that it was judged by many to be inappropriate or impossible for women in their community to be mountaineers.
The word Cholita has been used pejoratively to refer to Aymara women. They have also been ridiculed for wearing their traditional costumes and have been discriminated against in public spaces and in employment opportunities. To challenge these negative connotations, this group of mountaineers climb in their traditional attire.
After Huayna Potosi, the group climbed Acotango, a mountain between Bolivia and Chile, Parinacota, Pomarapi, Illimani and Bolivia's highest mountain, Sajama de Oruro, all peaks higher than 6000 meters above sea level. Individuals in the group now accompany tourists on their climbs as regular guides.
On January 23, 2019, they made history by reaching their highest summit so far; they climbed Aconcagua (6,968 meters) in Mendoza, Argentina, the highest summit in the western hemisphere. The climb was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Bolivia and the expedition is now detailed in a documentary film called 'Cholitas' that premiered in Spain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41NdWRsGfN83.11 mins English

DL-yl.png

YL Meet Ham Radio Fair Friedrichshafen from 26- 28 June, 2026
Invitation to All YLs: Join Us at the HAM RADIO Fair in Friedrichshafen
The amateur radio fair in Friedrichshafen is just around the corner, taking place from June 26 to 28, 2026.
The German YL booth will once again serve as a meeting point, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome international YLs and visitors from all corners of the globe.
A special highlight awaits us on Saturday at 2:30 p.m (1430), beginning with the international YL reception on the main stage near the entrance.
This will be followed by the official awards ceremony honoring the top achievers of this March’s International YL World Wide Award - YL WWA.
Afterwards, we invite you to join us at the YL booth for a social gathering.
It is a wonderful opportunity to share stories, reconnect with old friends, and build new connections.
Our YL President, Heike (DL3HD), and I would be honored to welcome you in person.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting many of you for the very first time.
Beste Grüße und vy 73 Veronika Weber-Wigand, DL4VER
YL - Referentin Distrikt Hessen (F)

Great job, Elvira IV3FSG!

17 May 2026 At DaytonElvira Simoncini, IV3FSG, was inducted into the DX Hall of Fame, considered the “Nobel Prize” of the DX world.🍾🥂👏👏👏
INDEXA Foundation selected her among many world-class DXers, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the DX community through her numerous DXpeditions, most of them carried out solo.
Only two women are members of the DX Hall of Fame, and Elvira is the first one inducted exclusively for her DX operating achievements.

Elvira Simoncini IV3FSG most recently 3X3A has been inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame. Elvira has been an enthusiastic DX explorer who has operated from 34 different DXCC entities since 1990, often with a strong humanitarian focus, including her association with "IT WITHOUT BORDERS."
In a world constantly facing new digital challenges, this association seeks to reduce the digital divide through the intelligent, supportive, and sustainable use of technology, implementing non-profit projects in emergency and marginalised situations worldwide. It also promotes innovative IT initiatives for people with disabilities. After a professional life dedicated entirely to teaching, this volunteer work provided her with numerous opportunities to travel and engage in amateur radio, almost always independently, while continuously optimising her portable equipment. This volunteer work often included introducing young students to amateur radio through courses and demonstrations.

Radioaficionadas YL Salta (Argentina)
YL: Walkers of the Invisible Voices
The women walkers, the YL, advance along the trails of Salta with firm steps, as if the mountains themselves were inviting them to discover hidden secrets. Their backpacks carry more than provisions and warm clothing; they carry with them the magic of radio, that gateway to invisible paths where voices meet faceless, yet soulful.
The fresh mountain air mingles with the crunch of leaves under their boots. They stop in a clearing, where the sun bathes the hills in golden hues and the wind whispers ancient stories. With an almost sacred ritual, they set up their equipment. They adjust antennas, turn knobs, and the silence of the place fills with the murmur of static, as if the universe were holding its breath.
“CQ CQ CQ,” one of them says, her voice serene yet expectant, floating in the air like a silken thread. The radio crackles, there's a pause, and then it arrives: a distant response, a voice caught in the waves that has travelled miles to find them. They don't know the face behind that voice, but it doesn't matter. It's an invisible friend, a companion crossing the void to share a part of themselves.
They talk about everything and nothing. About the approaching rain, the steps they still have to take, the moon that will soon light their way back. The words are simple, but they fill the space like a bridge between worlds, a reminder that they are not alone, neither on the trails, nor in life.
Some laugh, others remain silent, each lost in their own thoughts as twilight paints the sky purple. The contacts are not just a game of frequencies; they are an act of faith, a leap into the unknown that always finds an echo. The voices in the air gift them stories, improvised poems, sometimes just a "thank you" that resonates deeper than any long conversation.
When the sun sets and shadows embrace the mountains, the YLs pack up their equipment, but they don't turn off their radios. They continue walking under the stars, accompanied by the voices of their invisible friends, weaving dreams along the trails.
Each step is a heartbeat, each touch a connection that transcends time and space. They are more than hikers; they are weavers of invisible threads, guardians of a world that lives on the airwaves, where every voice has a place and every silence, a promise of reunion. Jorge Tisera LU9OTA (Jan 4, 2025)

Calendar June 2026
June 1     15th Anniversary of 1st yl.beam newsletter 2011
June13-14 'Queens of the Mountains' YL SOTA Special Event Weekend 2026
         YLs activate summits. YL to YL 
June 12–14 YU SOTA IV – Ham Radio Friendship Event | Despotovac, Serbia
June 13-14 ZS SOTA Weekend
June 19    ce4ylc  aniversario (radio club yl chile)
June 26–28 49th HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen 2026,
          + the 75th Lake Constance Meeting of the DARC e.V.

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

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

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)
******

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
*****


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).

*****
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.
******

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,
*****

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.
*****
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 . 
*****

Wishing all a Blessed Christmas & Hanukkah - See you in the New Year🥳
The way forward is to open the doors wider. Equity- inclusion – diversity.
*****
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/

*****
CONTACT     yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found: https://jbcs.co.za/wp/
It is now published on:-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/
Unsubscribe: If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please email: zs6ye.yl@gmail.com

amateur radio ladies yl.beam #143 aug. 2025

Contents

• International Dog Day   26 August 2025
• Out-and-About
• Missouri Yls at  SPARK- CON, ARRL Midwest Div. Convention
• LABRE-DF at the Inauguration of the New Brazilian Army Communications School  
• Brazil's National Day of Telecommunications
• CVA DX  HF CONTEST
• S/k   Vi Barrett W6CBA  & VE3WAD Jean Moffett
• Contacts & Calendar

*******
International Dog Day   26 August 2025
The participating stations will be on the air during August
K2D - USA team callsign
YL1DOG; DL0DOG ; DA0DOG ; GB4DOG
Find out more about bands, modes and exact dates from QRZ.com pages
where available. Also look at Hamlog.Online
https://www.dogdayradio.org/stations_2025.html
******
Congratulations
YLRL presented Jan O'Brien, K6HHD, with a special certificate honouring her 68 years as a member of YLRL.  She has been a ham since 1954 and joined YLRL in 1957.
******
Out-and-About
From 16 to 28 September 2025, Tom - K0YA and his XYL Antoinette - W5RCX will be active again as V4/K0YA and V4/W5RCX, respectively, from the QTH of V47JA in Calypso Bay,St. Kitts & Nevis;  from 16 to 28 September 2025. Activity will be in "holiday" mode from 10 to 160m on CW, SSB and FT8.
******
Missouri Yls at  SPARK- CON, ARRL Midwest Div. Convention
We are helping host the ARRL midwest division convention October 10-11, 2025 in Sedalia Missouri (USA). I would love to help support more women on the air and plan a  display table and hope to obtain a speaker for the event.
For more information please contact Jen Albright, N0VVX  KE0VFG@gmail.com 
******

Martin Butera (PT2ZDX) & Terezinha (PT2TF) centre above
LABRE-DF at the Inauguration of the New Brazilian Army Communications School  
Strengthening Ties: Martin Butera (PT2ZDX) had the honour of participating in two important events on May 5, 2025 at the invitation of the Army's Communications and Electronic Warfare Commander,  Representing all radio amateurs from the Federal District (FD) and surrounding areas, we were present at the inauguration of the new facilities of the Army Communications School (EsCom), on a particularly symbolic date: Communications Day, which pays homage to the patron, Marshal Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon. (note 1)
The morning ceremony was marked by emotion and reunion. We had the presence of our dear Terezinha (PT2TF), the eternal "Queen of the Air", a special guest accompanied by her family.
The evening ended with a celebratory dinner, cordially sealing a day that marked the return of a relationship that we consider strategic. We are very happy to emphasize that this moment represents the  commitment made by this LABRE-DF administration: to re-establish and strengthen ties with EsCom, after a period of separation.
We believe in uniting efforts between military and civilian communications. We have confirmed our partnership in the next 'Green and Yellow' Competition, in August 2025.  Our team, made up of more than ten LABRE-DF operators, will be alongside EsCom to collaborate on all fronts. (notes 2,3)  full article + more pics RadioZS p108-111  
https://mysarl.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Radio-ZS-June-2025.pdf 

(note 1) Marshal Cândido Rondon  (1865-1958) is revered as the Patron Saint of Communications in Brazil, a title bestowed upon him for his pivotal role in extending telegraph lines across the nation, thereby connecting previously isolated regions and laying the groundwork for modern telecommunications. May 5th, his birthdate, is celebrated as Brazil's National Day of Telecommunications in his honour.
(note 2) GREEN and YELLOW International HF Contest  CVA DX  HF CONTEST
The Green and Yellow DX Contest (in Portuguese CVA DX HF Contest) is one of the Brazilian’s most important amateur radio events, now in its 66th edition (2025), which reflects its long-standing tradition. The CVA DX Contest always takes place on the third full weekend of August for CW (Morse Code) and the fourth full weekend of August for SSB (Voice).
The CVA DX Contest aims to foster friendship among radio amateurs and amateur radio organisations - both civilian and military - from around the world.
It also seeks to engage radio amateurs in the commemorative activities of the Brazilian Soldier's Week, high-lighting events related to August 25th and honouring the image of Duque de Caxias, the patron of the Brazilian Army.
Known as the Green and Yellow Contest or CVA DX Contest, it holds the title of the most traditional amateur radio contest in Brazilian history. Over more than 50 years, it has developed progressively, aligning with the formats of global contests. The Brazilian Army, through the Brazilian Army School of Communications, promotes amateur radio practice and recognises its importance in the country's development. Through over half a century of contests, it demonstrates Brazil's affection and enthusiasm for the CVA DX Contest. Since opening its doors to the world in 2011, the CVA DX Contest has rapidly gained international recognition, showing the importance of amateur radio in Brazil to the global community
Aug 16 -17  CVA DX CW – 2025.  Third full weekend of August. (CW);
Aug 23 - 24, CVA DX  SSB  – 2025.   Fourth full weekend of August. (SSB);

(note 3) Soldier's Day is celebrated on August 25, the anniversary of the birth of Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Duke of Caxias, patron of the Brazilian Army.
*****
Silent Keys - Tradition is not preserving the ashes but passing on the flame.  
 
VE3WAD Jean Moffett (nee Waddington) S/k age 101
(August 12,1923 - April 14, 2025)
long time OSC (Ontario Science Centre) Volunteer of 43 years  Jean Moffett VE3WAD, 4 months shy of her 102 Birthday, Jean passed at home after a fall. Everyone that knew her will miss her voice on the radio and her personality in the VE3OSC Ham Shack.  
With over 40 years of dedicated service, she holds the special honour of being Ontario Science Centre longest-serving volunteer. She started as a volunteer school group greeter before becoming a HAM radio operator, VE3WAD, whose voice and call sign were known around the world.
As one of the few female operators on the air, her charm, warmth and love of a good story made her a popular contact.
One of Jean’s greatest wishes was to talk to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which finally came true in January 2020, (at age 96) at the Ontario Science Centre, she got to go even further when together with a group of students, she spoke with Commander Luca Parmitano  KF5KDP.
She was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. (It is the highest honour for volunteer service that an individual can receive within the Canadian Honours System.)
Jean was still volunteering last year (2024) at the age of 101. She said the opportunity to operate the radio with— and for visitors — was the best thing to ever happen to her. (As of June 28 2024 The Ontario Science Centre VE3OSC was closed by the Provincial Government.)
Jean was born in Ottawa, Canada and spent her childhood years in North Bay with younger siblings. Jean met her husband, Joe Moffett (1924-91), while working in Toronto as a secretary at CNR. Their two girls, Mary Ellen  and Jane were raised in Leaside. Jean will be dearly missed by grand and great-grandchildren

We wished Jean 'Happy 100 Birthday' in yl.beam #119 aug 2023
The link below is still good (original date FEBRUARY 7, 2023) shortly before her 100th birthday. Her enthusiasm reaches across time and space.

https://globalnews.ca/video/9468921/ontario-science-centre-volunteer-set-to-celebrate-100th-birthday/?fbclid=IwAR1tiPi9OQ80T7NMnTwWptMbJTtUFuOGZ0RVbXichec0hmMqyxhIwdGmrB

******


Vi Barrett W6CBA on a KFBI visit in 2000     

Silent Key - Vi Barrett W6CBA   [August 26, 1929. - 16 April 2024] age 94
Age 19 She received her ham radio license on February 14, 1948  W6CBA, General Class.
The use and knowledge of radio equipment also aided her in getting her first job as a dispatcher in the Los Angeles office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.(FBI) Vi was the first woman  FBI radio dispatcher she worked in the Los Angeles office for over six years.  
After getting married in 1954, Barrett left the FBI, but not her beloved ham radio. Like his father-in-law before him, soon her husband was on the roof erecting an antenna.
In January 1981 a group of  Mulberry School fifth graders took a short trip to the home of Violet Barrett, an East Whittier City School District employee and the president of the Rio Hondo Amateur Radio Club.
While it all looked like fun and games to the children, the serious side of Amateur Radio operation was also explained. “During the Vietnam war, I was among several West Coast ham operators who made regular calls to the hospital ship USS Sanctuary off the coast of Vietnam,” said Barrett.
During the calls she would patch together a radio signal with the telephone line so wounded service men could reassure local relatives who only knew there had been an injury, but not its extent.
Still, for Vi Barrett service never stops.She remained 'radio-active' until the end.

YL Forum at 2019 Visalia International DX Convention  YLRL District 6
Vi age 90, 65 yrs marriage. 70 yrs ham , cw instructer,
11 May 2019  Episode 249 - Vi Barrett – W6CBA     

https://www.qsotoday.com/podcasts/w6cba

******

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

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

******

Calendar
Aug 1 – 31  WWFF (World Wide Flora & Fauna) August Activity Month 2025
Aug 7          NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY  USA
Aug 9 - 10  WAE  CW Worked All Europe DX Contest, 2nd full weekend August.
Aug 9 - 16   YOTA Camp  Youngsters on the Air Belgium and UBA.
Aug 12         International Youth Day
Aug 14         St. Maximilian Kolbe Dabrow aka SP3RN, patron saint of Amateur Radio
Aug 14         “Día  del Radioaficionado Chileno”  celebrated since 2016
Aug 15         SYLRA 22 Birthday, 2025
Aug 18 – 25 YOTA Summer Camp 2025. 13th edition in France. Jambville, Paris.
Aug 16 – 17   TC88YL Türkiye  YL Event  2025.
Aug 16 – 17  ILLW (International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend)  3rd weekend July
Aug 16 - 17   CVA DX CW – 2025.
Aug 16 – 22  22nd IARU World ARDF Championships 2025, Birštonas, Lithuania
Aug 23 - 24  CVA DX  SSB  – 2025.
Aug 23 - 24   JARL Ham Fair 2025, Ariake GYM-EX Exhibition Center.
Aug 26          International Dog Day  
Aug  28 - 31   DNAT in Bad Bentheim  (Duits Nederlands Amateur Treffen)
Aug 30           Region 1 Field Day SSB, 2025
Aug 30-31      A.L.A.R.A. 45th Contest  (Australian Ladies AR Assoc.) last FULL weekend  Aug
                       Sat.  30th Aug  0600 hours UTC -  Sun 31st Aug 0559 hours UTC
Aug  30-31     YL's of Chile  7th  anniversary (2018)  Yankee Lima Chile group 

Sept 5 -7 Handiham Radio Camp 2025
Oct 10-11, Missouri Yls at ARRL Midwest Div. Convention

 

yl.beam #136 jan 2025

Contents

• Editorial New Year 2025
• SYLRA 2025 Cancelled  
• Dutch YLs at HF day 2024  
• Raisa R1BIG DXpedition
• Out-and-About: N6KLS Vicki Zumwalt YLRL
• Passion for Satellites  Leticia Alonso LU5ILA
• Silent Keys  - ZS6EM  Elmarie Mccash LW1DGW. Maria del Carmen Romeo 

Editorial: Hello Ladies – so grateful that we have made it together to another year.
Thank-you to those who shared and responded to the news-letters, it is much appreciated.
I love hearing from our lady operators across the world.
What do I wish for 2025? More On-the-Air time for all of us!
As technology continues to evolve we will need to continue networking, sharing and helping each other. Please keep your editor updated.
Best wishes for 2025 – see you down the log. 33 / 88 ZS5YH Heather (Eda)
*****
SYLRA 2025 Cancelled
Dear SYLRA friends,
unfortunately we have received an insufficient number of registrations for SYLRA 2025 and we must therefore cancel the event we were planning at lake Úlfljótsvatn, Iceland. The registration was very far from the minimum 15 persons we required.
We are looking at other options for hosting an event on the air and/or online and so on.
We will announce that at a later date. Our best regards to you all.
· Dec 1, 2024: Anna de TF3VB, Vala de TF3VD, Elín de TF2EQ, Guðrún de TF3GD
*****

L > R: Anne-Sophie NL13798, Marjolein PD2MDR, Mariëtte PA1ENG, Anneke  PA3DGF en Lisa PA2LS. After lunch we took this picture. Proud!
 

Dutch YLs at HF day 2024           Posted on 22/09/2024 by pa1eng
Did you know that the Dutch Young Ladies Club is part of the VERON Traffic Bureau? From the moment that there is no longer a separate VERON YL committee, PI4YLC falls under the committee that deals with HF matters. And that committee organized the annual HF day again yesterday. A number of Young Ladies from the contest team were there. It was a beautiful sunny day full of ideas about what you can do on the bands.
At the HF day in Hoevelaken there were again interesting lectures about DX-peditions and Websdr, prizes for contests were awarded and there was enough space to meet acquaintances and strangers. There we also met other YLs who are active in our radio hobby. It was great to see Anne-Sophie NL13798 and Anneke PA3DGF again, just like last year, and to meet Marjolein PD2MDR.
******
Raisa R1BIG’s First DXpedition
She will head to Cano Island in Costa Rica, Central America. (callsign TI1RRC) the only yl in the Team with 7 OM.  Estimated dates of operation February 19th-25th, 2025
Watch an interview with Raisa on YouTube ·(click on link below) ·19 Dec 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo08QEywohY
******

Out-and-About
N6KLS Vicki Zumwalt Young Ladies' Radio League 20 Dec 2024
My son in law, Ahmed A. Ella who lives in Egypt, was able to set up a meeting with the The Egyptian Radio Amateurs Society For Development (ERASD) for me to meet their amateur radio operators.  My thanks to  (ERASD) for hosting myself and Ahmed A. Ella when I was in Cairo, Egypt.  
The President, Mr Said Kamel, SU1SK, warmly welcomed us to their official meeting place where I presented 2 copies of Tom Schiller, N6BT’s book Array of Light.  They were most appreciative and agreement was made for Tom to do a presentation to their club via zoom in the future.
Conditions were such that I was not able to make contacts from Egypt, however I was presented with 2 buttons from their club and their hospitality to us could not have been more pleasant.  We shared several hours talking with them about amateur radio in their country and we felt fortunate for the generous amount of time these gentlemen spent with us.
We exchanged information and before leaving an invitation was extended for them to visit us in the U.S.A.
Of course my visit would not have been complete as the President of the Young Ladies Radio League had I not inquired about YL’s in Egypt?  I was told that women in Egypt who are not hams resent their husbands hobby and present it as their husband’s other wife!  It seems a reoccurring theme I hear.  YL’s are very rare in Egypt.  They were very interested to know about the YLRL, numbers of members and many other questions which I was more than happy to answer.  I was treated in every respect as an amateur radio operator and never felt any difference because I was a YL and I look forward to going back!
*****

Leticia Alonso LU5ILA of Missions, Argentina, who in January 2023 reached the Crater Corona of the Inca in the Riojana range at 5.550 msnm, from where she made several contacts via satellite  (see yl.beam #115 feb 2023)
Passion for Satellites
Leticia Alonso LU5ILA does not hide her passion for this mode of radio activation that amazed her. Here she tells us about her beginnings and how her husband Victor LU8IEZ and her children Veronica LU9IVN and Leandro LU1IAB accompany her on this journey.
Could you tell us how you were introduced to amateur radio and what motivated you to enter this world?
Since I was a child I wanted to be a radio amateur, I saw it in movies and I wanted to have my globe marked with pins from the countries I communicated with. In 2007 I had the opportunity to take the course and in 2009 I got my license, we traveled a lot and carrying a radio could be helpful, especially as we like extreme tourism.

Regarding satellite operations, when did you decide to make the transition and what were the main reasons behind this decision?
In 2019, while participating in Women's Day activities, I approached a large group of YLs united by Radio Club La Rioja, where several were doing various modes, including satellites. I began to collaborate with the Radio Club in organizing the activities and Blas LU8SAN insisted that I go out on satellite from Misiones, my home province. My husband gave me an antenna and I began to listen, encouraged by Patricia LU3FCA, who sent me material and information about it so that I could advance in satellites. That end of the year I got my first contact, which was with Patricia, my Satellite God-mother.
I never made a transition, rather I added one more mode, since I do Phones, Digital and Satellites. What is true is that satellites allowed me to channel my addiction to radio. I call it “15 minutes of glory,” which is the time it takes me to set up my antenna where I am and go out for the pass and I cut it off behind the pass, I finish and I can continue working, traveling or whatever I have to do, which doesn't happen to me when I do HF.  I don't want to stop, I want to continue. In this way, I am able to operate a little radio, which gives me pleasure and I have a limit, which is the duration of the satellite pass.

What sensations did you experience when you made your first contact through satellites? How would you describe that experience?
It was night time and it was in AO 91, which could still be used in eclipse, LU3FCA Patricia came out and congratulated me, she kept jumping around the yard, she looked like a creature that had been given a treat.
I never thought that I would take my handy (talkie) and my antenna as my traveling companions.

Activating 100 grid locators is a considerable achievement. Could you share with us the key steps and challenges you faced to reach this milestone?
On my first vacation trip after leaving, I took my equipment to put it into practice,
when a satellite passed by, my husband would stop at the side of the road wherever he went and I would set up my antenna.
Totally naive, I bought a compass, but I trusted in my skills acquired with the scouts, that I would have no problems finding the north. Well at the first stop I lost the compass which I forgot on the hood of the truck. However the sun rises in the east and sets in the west; looking at the shadows, the mosses are always on the south on the trees and at night if you interpolate the Southern Cross with Canopus (it is the star Alpha Carinae) in between is the exact south, as long as it is not cloudy.
Well I bought another compass (just in case I bought two), but they did not last 1,000 km because I also lost them! It is clear to me that in this life I do not have my own north, hahaha. In the mountains, the mosses are to the west and the further south you go during summer, the sun is always to the north and has a slight movement from east to west, which I didn't notice either, and when I went into the mountains I didn't have internet so all the satellite passes in the app were deleted. Over time I solved these problems.
I also travel with two handys (hand-held radios) and three antennas, because I broke several. I capture the passes in images and I install apps that don't need internet, I synchronize them again when I reconnect. I'm not the one who plans, because when I plan that I want to leave a certain place the satellite is off, hahaha.
As for challenges, I have gone out in storms, cold (-10°) and without equipment because in the north it is hot; altitudes that I am not used to, making it is difficult to breathe; extreme heat, at night, with so much wind that I could not open the door of the van.
 I have gone out to the most incredible places in Argentina and when I got my international permit (IARP) I added southern Brazil and Paraguay.

One of my epic outings was going out last year (2023) from Corona del Inca (La Rioja) at 5,400 meters high, obtaining at that time the record for satellite transmission at altitude. Later a colleague went out from Aconcagua at a higher altitude, but I still hold the female record.
But the funniest thing was that I was on the side of the road doing satellites and a truck with animals passed by and I was bathed in urine and cow feces. I was angry and shouting on the side of the road. I approached our truck and my family looked at me and said, "You're not getting in like that, dirty!" hahaha. I changed between two doors and cleaned myself as much as I could, but the smell was horrible and we still had 600 km to go home, hahaha.
The worst thing of all is to go back and sit down to confirm the contacts. It is an important administrative task. You have to request aliases on the platforms, since there's no point in activating a grid if you're not going to confirm the contacts.

At any point in your career did you imagine that you would become the only woman recognized worldwide among the top twenty positions in the AMSAT ranking? What does this achievement mean to you?
I didn't think about it, but a friend Claudio LU7DW insisted that I apply for the ROVER certificate (activator). When I submitted my application, they asked me if I had really activated those grid locators and not done them from my house? I sent photos with signs from where I left and the reports that Google sent me of the places I visited during that period.They congratulated me and explained that I was halfway to obtaining the AR-wardVUCC  www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award/  and that they expected me to achieve it. At that time I had 52 grids and then I thought that I wanted to reach 100 grids to apply for it; there were only a few awarded in the world and I wanted to get on the list and  I worked hard for it.
I was awarded number 17 (first awarded to YL and first awarded to South America) and behind me another YL applied for it, today there are 18 awarded in the world.
I also had help from my family who accompanied me on this crazy adventure and my Godmother LU3FCA, great hunter of grid locators, who was always on the other side accompanying me on each trip notifying me from where I was leaving, giving me information about whether the satellites were active as I did not have internet in many places, and every so often, if we were alone, she would go out so I could continue the journey encouraging me to call and all my travel companions that I call who always accompany me on my satellite trips and with whom I always share a photo of where I am.

What message would you like to convey to women interested in exploring the field of amateur radio? What are, in your opinion, the main benefits and challenges of this field?
To the women who are interested, I can say that everything is possible if you want it, if you are determined to do everything for it, not only in amateur radio but also in life itself. There is no achievement without sacrifice, which makes us feel great emotions, if there is no effort behind each achievement, there is no satisfaction in having achieved it and the driving force is the passion of doing what you like.
The main benefits are knowledge, experience, and countless friends around the world. I think Roberto Carlos fell short in wanting to have a million friends, radio makes it possible. The challenges in this field? They are big, you have to build stations, antennas, dare to go out, start with what you have and what you can achieve, and step by step, with time you become more skilled in radio, you gain  knowledge and experience.

How have your family reacted regarding your dedication and achievements in amateur radio?
My family are also radio amateurs, but without their support and collaboration I could not do what I enjoy. According to them when I activate satellites they say that I am "ET phone home", ET calling home and that at any moment they are going to abduct me, haha. They encourage me to continue, they follow my travel routes, they accompany me to grids that I have not activated, they sit on the side of the road to wait, sometimes for hours, for the satellite to pass over so as not to miss the grid. Or they go 70 km on a trail because there is a grid. On the last trip, my husband accelerated to get to the grid in time for the next pass; we were talking and we went too far and there were only minutes left... and I am saying “come back, come back because we went too far,” hahaha. I call them my heroes (LU8IEZ, LU9IVN and LU1IAB)
Finally, could I say a few words to the YLs of Chile and Argentina, encouraging them to continue on the path of amateur radio? Be passionate about what you do in your life and if it is radio, even more so. Involve your loved ones in this, so that it is not a burden for them and it is a way of life. Share it with your partners and children, who you know and even if they are not radio amateurs, join us and do not feel excluded, that way you will achieve great goals.
As we say in my family, let's go out and drink maté on the road and why not activate a new grid...  Email: leticiara29@hotmail.com
By Jorge Tisera LU9OTA
Selvamar News - Publication No. 58 December 2024 p28, p29,30
https://download.frcuba.cu/REVISTAS/REVISTA%20SELVAMAR/Selvamar_58%20diciembre%202024.pdf
VUCC/r Award (VHF/UHF Century Club for Rovers)
maté is an Argentine herbal tea
******
Silent Keys
ZS6EM  Elmarie Mccash  S/k 12/12/2024
From Vanderbijlpark (South Africa) she was licensed in October 2021, She was the  secretary of the Sasolburg ARC and was often heard reading the Club's weekly.  Her hamburgers were very popular at club events.  She bequeathed her radio equipment to the club. She will be missed.

LW1DGW. Maria del Carmen Romeo (Argentina)
The news of the death of colleague María del Carmen Romeo LW1DGW caused deep sorrow.
Originally from Tandil, she settled in the sea-side city to study at the University of Mar del Plata, where she settled permanently.
She was a life member of the Mar del Plata Radio Club LU2DT, which counted her for years as a collaborator and as a member of boards of directors in different periods. Her husband Luis Alberto López LU4ECO, came to serve as president of the institution.
María del Carmen was also linked to the cultural and artistic environment of the city of Mar del Plata.     10/12/2024 by Carlos Almirón LU7DSY

******
CONTACT     yl.beam news: Editor Eda (Heather) zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
newsletters can be found on:-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/

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

yl.beam#89 dec 2020

Contents

• II0GD special call Grazia Deledda, Nobel Prize for Literature.
• Puerto Rico Yls
• Pioneer YL Isabel Huertas E-095, heard Le Brix (1929)
• Joseph Le Brix – French pioneer aviator
• Seasons Greetings
• Santa Net 1- 25 Dec & WX3MAS Christmas City Special Event Station
• Chanuca Israeli Special Event 10-19 Dec
• Silent Key
• Contact & Calendar

II0GD special call Grazia Deledda, the only Italian woman to have won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
GRSNM - Group Sardinian Radio Amateurs of the World From 04 November to 05 December 2020 All Bands & Modes 

https://www.qsl.net/ik2duw/deledda.html
E-mail: segreteria@grsnm.it

Deledda, Grazia (1871-1936)

She was born in Nuoro. Sardinia. In 1899, Deledda met Palmiro Madesani and in January 1900, they married and moved to Rome, where Deledda lived the rest of her life, Her 1920 novel La Madre was translated into English in 1922, (The Woman and the Priest), with a subsequent edition of 1928 (with the more faithful title The Mother), that included an introduction by D. H. Lawrence; it is also considered to be the novel that won her the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926.

Puerto Rico Yls
WP4RBK LEYDA RIOS, from Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, writes:

Hi! Thanks for all the information on Facebook and support from YL’s around the world.

Now I need more support. Today, I began a new local net on my island of Puerto Rico.

The information that I want to share with this net is about YL’s, events, new ideas and all about this fantastic world of radio. If you follow some radio site, YouTube, or radio friends, please share with me to give me ideas and information for the net.

Advice is also welcome! Thanks a lot! WP4RBK
https://www.facebook.com/WP4RBK-WP4RAQ-111459333941515

The Union of Spanish Amateur Radio celebrated 90 years of radio with archival articles recalling the early years in their monthly publication of December 2019.

The originals are in Spanish, below is an extract.

https://www.radioclubhenares.org/ea4do/YLs-EA%20(I)_URE_03-2020.pdf

91 years ago Isabel Huertas E-095, heard Le Brix flying a small plane 4000 km from Madrid
Isabel Huertas, first Spanish woman operator of the receiving station E-095

She wrote how she heard Joseph Le Brix in December 1929, during his flight from Paris to Saigon in French Indochina:

On my short-wave receiver the classic O-V-1 (device with a single detector valve followed by a low-frequency amplifier), I heard one morning, at the beginning of December, some news (we women are always curious!) that was being transmitted by F-8DG, from Colombes.

Le Brix's plane was equipped with a short-wave transmitter, using the call sign FAJHU to broadcast messages about the flight.

On December 16 (1929) at 2315 GMT suddenly to my great pleasure and surprise on 28 MHz "QST de FAJHU " was heard. The signal came with R = 8-9 and T = 3, with QSB (fading) and QSX (listening), from an automatic transmitter, followed by a CQ call and then given manually, 'Hello 8DG. Good evening. The night is cold. ‘An hour later came: 't b', for: 'tout bien', that is: 'everything in order' and: 'QRD Benghasi (bound for), QRF Paris (return to).' This message came over 2,000km to Madrid!

December 17th, after four and six in the morning, I heard the signals from 8DG via FAJHU again with 't b' and 'Allo, allo, bonsoir'.

The last message that I was able to receive reached me on December 18th after four o'clock in the morning - over a distance of now 4,000 km, with R = 7-8 and the plain text message: 'Todo macha bien' (all goes well).

Later I learned from the press that Le Brix and his companion had got caught in a terrible storm and had to jump off with a parachute. They were not injured, but the plane and the radio transmitter were unfortunately destroyed. "

Joseph Le Brix (22 February 1899 - 12 September 1931) was a French aviator and lieutenant commander in the French Navy. He is best known for an around-the-world flight he made as copilot and navigator in 1927-1928 which included history's first flight across the South Atlantic Ocean, and for record-setting non-stop long-distance flights he made or attempted between 1929 and 1931. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'honneur.

Le Brix made a second attempt to fly from France to Saigon in December 1929. He again got as far as Burma, flying 10,500 kilometres (6,521 miles) in 72 hours before the two men had to bail out over the rain forest on 22 December 1929 after encountering severe weather.

Seasons Greetings Ham-sisters

Seasons Greetings and happy holidays and sincerely wishing you continued good health,

As propagation seems to be improving we can look forward to making better and more contacts in the New Year of 2021 - YAY!

I am personally grateful for Amateur Radio during this past year. Our local club kept a daily schedule during the restricted times, which has currently eased to several times a week. Bi-monthly inter-club contests also helped to structure the year.

Your continued support and friendship is greatly appreciated.
33 / 88 Editor Heather ZS5YH

Felt I had to share the extract below at this 'magic' time of year:)

“Every time I turn on my radio, the Narnia door opens and on the other side everything is magic and mystery. I listen to the noise of static, the distant voices from somewhere in the world, the musical sound of radio-telegraphy, and I am that fifteen-year-old boy again. It is as is. Trust me!”

Manuel Wilches, LU5OM
https://lagalenadelsur.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/como-cuando-y-de-que-hablan-los-radioaficionados-manuel-wilch

Santa Net

For the 15th consecutive year, The Santa Net on 3.916 MHz. Good girls and boys can talk to Santa Claus, via amateur radio, nightly at 7:15 PM (Central US) starting Friday, November 27, through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020.

Pete Thomson (KE5GGY), said, "Christmastime and Santa Net are the best time of the year on 3916 kHz.. We enjoy helpiWX3MAS Christmas City Special Event Station 51th Anniversaryng young people and their families have a shared Christmas experience that they'll always remember. And we get to introduce young people to the magic of amateur radio."

Youngsters can talk to "Santa at The North Pole" via strategically placed operators who relay the voice of Santa. Thomson said that The Santa Net is a team effort of 3916 Net members.

Prior to each night's Santa Net, pre-net check-ins can be made at www.cqsanta.com

The Santa Nets are presented annually by The 3916 Nets. The Rag Chew Crew, The Tailgaters and The Freewheelers are all amateur radio nets that meet on 3.916 MHz nightly.

For more information on The 3916 Nets, go to http://www.3916nets.com
For more information on The Santa Net, email KE5GGY at ke5ggy@gmail.com

WX3MAS Christmas City Special Event Station 51th Anniversary

WX3MAS was the 1st Special Call issued in 1969 by the FCC for Special Event Stations in the Country and is active each year around 2 weeks before Christmas.

On December 15th, 1969 at 12:01 CQ was tapped out on CW and until January 1st 11:58, the total of 7,186 QSOs (50 states & 102 countries) were logged, this all with heavy ice storms, trying to get to the Clubhouse, ice ripping down the antennas never the less a Success!

This year marks 51 years (2020) Celebrate the Holidays, from the twin Christmas Cities of Nazareth, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (USA) Sponsored by the Christmas City Amateur Radio Club and the Delaware/Lehigh Amateur Radio Club. Listen for us on the Published SSB Frequencies: (14.265 7.270 3.850 ) December 12 - 15 from 1400Z to 2200Z (9AM-5PM)

Chanuca (or Hanukkiah)

It marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression. When they came to rededicate the Temple, only one flask of oil was found with which to light the Menorah . This small flask lasted for eight days.

This festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah (or hanukkiah). One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. Each night, one additional candle is lit until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival.

Although a relatively minor holiday in religious terms, Hanukkiah has attained cultural significance in North America and elsewhere as a Jewish alternative to Christmas,

Chanuca celebrations 2020 - Israeli Special Event

Special activity of the Israeli Amateur Radio Club during Chanukah period, December 10-19.

Chanukah means candle in Hebrew and is also known as the Festival of Lights

All participating stations use letters form the name “Chanukah” as follows:

4X1C, 4X2H, 4Z3A, 4X4N, 4X5U, 4X6K, 4Z7A, 4X8H and 4X0NER (the "Joker").

Prefix digits (1-8) indicate the station's order of appearance in the operation :

The number in the callsign indicates the number of the candle lit that day. 4X1C will start on the 1st day, 4X4N on the 4th day etc.

Date and time:

The activity begins on the evening of 10 of December when the first candle will be lit on (14 utc). The Special Event Stations will operate for 9 days in a row and new Stations will join the activity every day until the close of the event on 19 of December, 21:59 UTC.

Special event stations daily locations::
December 10 - From the historic city of Hashmonaim where the first Chanuca holiday candle will be lit; event activity will begin with the 4 X1C team.
Dec 11- Haifa city where 2nd candle will be lit, operators 4X2H.
Dec 12 - Tel Aviv City , 3rd candle; operators 4Z3A.
Dec 13 - Netanya City, 4th candle will be lit; operators 4X4N.
Dec 14- Beer Sheva city, 5th candle; activity operators 4X5U.
Dec 15 - From Kiryat Shmona City where the 6th candle will be be lit; operators 4X6K.
Dec 16 - From Ashkelon City where 7th candle will be lit; operators 4Z7A.
Dec 17 - From Jerusalem where 8th and last candle will be lit; operators 4X8H
The operators of the 4X0NER station will be active every day during the 9 days of activity and will serve as a Joker for the missing letters.

More Info: https://www.iarc.org/iarc/Content/docs/Chanukah.pdf
4X1C Israel A.R.C

Silent Key 

Former West Virginia Section Manager Ann Rinehart, KA8ZGY, of South Charleston died on November 20 of COVID-19 complications. An ARRL Member, she was 85.

ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, said, “She was one of our Division’s pioneering women — consistently gracious, yet firm in her efficient management of the Section.”

Rinehart served as West Virginia Section Manager from 2005 until 2013. She also served as an Official Emergency Station and was the Affiliated Club Coordinator in West Virginia in 2001. Rinehart was an Assistant Section Manager from 2017 until her death.

Rinehart was a nurse and administrator at Charleston Area Medical Center. She belonged to the West Virginia State Amateur Radio Council and the Kanawha Amateur Radio Club.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no service will be held at this time. Her family suggests memorial donations to Rock Lake Presbyterian Church, 905 Village Dr., South Charleston, WV 25309.

CONTACT US: https://web.facebook.com/ham.yls?_rdc=1&_rdr ‘HAM YL'
yl.beam news: Editor Eda zs6ye.yl@gmail.com
Earlier newsletters can be found on the website of WEST RAND ARC
https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.com & https://wrarc-anode.blogspot.co.za/
and: 

Italian Radio Amateurs Union: QTC U.R.I.
also @ 

https://www.darc.de/en/der-club/referate/yl/