W6SF NOVEMBER CLUB MEETING STOCKTON SAILING CLUB CLASSROOM 4980 BUCKLEY COVE, STOCKTON 7:00 PM
QST QST QST… The November Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 12th at the Stockton Sailing Club. The meeting will start at 1900 hours. This is Election Night at the club meeting. Members may nominate themselves or another member at the start of the meeting before the election is called.
The nominations for 2027 Officers are:
PRESIDENT KN6ZJJ – Steve Cranny
VICE-PRESIDENT W6SXA – Mark Cloud (Incumbent)
TREASURER K6QBQ – Joyce Marciel
SECRETARY N6ACL – Annie Lewis
Members have until the beginning of the November meeting when the call for candidates closes to nominate any member, including themselves, for an officer position.
The board positions of Member at Large and Call Sign Trustee are appointed by the new board at their first meeting prior to the January 2027 Annual General Meeting.
One tap mobile +16699009128,,8715741939#,,,,*146520# US (San Jose)
We also have shirts from the 2025 Run Against Hunger available for those that participated in that event, but did not get a shirt because of the short supply.
Members in attendance in person can participate in a 50/50 raffle to win half of the donated “kitty” with the club.
Grab your spouse, or significant other and come join the meeting.
Here is another fun SSB Contest. Don’t want to hand out trick-or-treat candy to a bunch of teenagers at your door? Turn off the lights and get on the air Saturday night starting at 5:00 PM PDT for the North American SSB Sprint.
The contest is only 4 hours long, but by the time it’s over trick or treaters will be gone. Read the rules carefully. It is a hunt – pounce – call – move kind of cadence. In other words you can only call once, be called once on a frequency and then you have to move off that frequency.
Put together 5 operators in 5 different stations and make a team!
What is a Sprint Contest?
The North American Sprints (usually just called “Sprints”) are short, intense competitions which challenge the best operators, while allowing others to sharpen their skills. Lasting only four hours and using only the 80, 40 and 20-meter bands, these contests demand that participants be on their toes at all times.
The Sprints’ unique QSY requirements eliminate the usual approach in many contests of dominant stations sitting on one frequency and running others. These are contests of constant motion.
Although there is only one entry category (single op), participants can combine separate single op scores into a team score. Register your team here.
If you are new to the SSB Sprint, please have a look at the Sprint Tips & Tricks page. Still have questions? Feel free to ask for help — we are glad to assist and we look forward to working you in the next SSB Sprint!
Eligibility: Any Amateur Radio licensee may enter.
Object: For North American stations to contact as many radio amateurs as possible. For non-North American stations to contact as many North American stations as possible.
Entry Classification: Single-Operator only. Use of spotting information obtained directly or indirectly from any source other than the station operator, such as from other stations or automated tools, is prohibited. Three Power Level Categories: a. High Power (up to 1500 W) b. Low Power (up to 100 W) c. QRP (up to 5 W)
Contest Period: FALL: November 1, 2026, 0000-0359 UTC (Saturday evening, October 31 local time) SPRING: March 21, 2027, 0000-0359 UTC (Saturday evening, March 20 local time)
Mode: SSB only in the SSB Sprint. If you are interested in the CW or RTTY Sprint, see this web site.
Bands: 20, 40 and 80 meters only. You may work the same station once per band. Suggested frequencies are: 20m: 14200 to 14275 40m: 7125 to 7225 80m: 3700 to 3825 (stay out of the DX window 3790 to 3800)
Exchange: To have a valid exchange, you must send all of the following information: The other station’s call sign, your call sign, your sequential serial number (start with 1, give next station 2, next is 3, etc.), your name and your location (US State, Canadian Province/Territory or Country. Note: DC is separate from MD.) For example: — K4XS KA9FOX 154 Scott Wisconsin (note this indicates this is KA9FOX’s 154th contact) — KA9FOX 122 Bill Florida K4XS (note this indicates this is K4XS’s 122nd contact) While the rules do not stipulate the exact order of the information transmitted, our Tips and Tricks page provides tips on the best order to use, depending on whether you are calling a station, or the one being called. NOTE: Stations outside of North America should give “DX” as their location. Stations working non-NA stations should log “DX” as the QTH/Location.
Valid Contact: A valid contact consists of a complete, correctly copied and logged two-way exchange between a North American station and another station. Proper logging requires including the time of each contact. Serial numbers must begin with serial number one and be sequential thereafter.
North American Station: Defined by the rules of the CQ World Wide DX contests, plus KH6 (which is normally defined as Oceania, but in SSB Sprint, it is included as part of NA).
Scoring / Multiplier Info: Multiply total valid contacts by the sum of the US and Canadian multipliers (see below), and other North American countries to get final score (do not count US and Canada as countries). The District of Columbia (DC) counts separately from Maryland. KH6 DOES count as a state in this contest, even though it is not a North American country. The 51 US Multiplers are: [Lower 48 States, DC, AK/KL7 and HI/KH6]. The 13 Canadian multipliers are [AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT]. North American countries are :[6Y, 8P, C6, CM, FG, FJ, FM, FO/c, FS, HH, HI3, HK0, HP, HR, J3, J6, J7, J8, KG4, KP1, KP2, KP4, KP5, OX, PJ5, PJ7, TG, TI, TI9, V2, V3, V4, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, XE, XF4, YN, YS, YV0, ZF]. Non-North American countries do not count as multipliers but do count for contact credit for North American stations.
Special QSY Rule: If any station solicits a call (eg, by sending “CQ,” “QRZ?” “going up 5 kHz” or any other means of soliciting a response, including completion of a contact where the frequency was inherited), that station is permitted to work only one station in response to that solicitation. The station must thereafter move at least 1 kHz before calling another station, or at least 5 kHz before soliciting other calls. Once a station is required to QSY, that station is not allowed to make another contact on the vacated frequency until or unless at least one subsequent contact is made on a new frequency.
Additional Rules: Simultaneous transmission on more than one frequency is prohibited. All contacts must be sent and received using means that require real-time human intervention, detection and initiation. Each operator must use only one call sign during the contest.
Log Formatting: All logs must be submitted electronically (web upload, email, CD, etc). The file format for electronic logs is Cabrillo (ver 2.x or 3.x). Entrants who do not use computer logging are encouraged to use the manual Web-to-Cabrillo online forms available at the links below to enter their contact data from their paper logs.
Log Submission: Entries must be received no later than 7 days after the Sprint. Methods of log submission in order of preference are: a. PREFERRED METHOD; Upload Cabrillo-formatted log via the Submit Log web form. If possible, name the file CALLSIGN.LOG. b. Mail a CD containing ASCII log file, to the SSB Sprint Manager. Contact us for Address. c. Mail paper log. Contact us for Address. NOTE: If you have a paper log and would like to create a Cabrillo-formatted log that can be uploaded to our website, you can manually enter your log into this tool: http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/nasprintssb_cab.php
Team Competition: Team competition is limited to a maximum of 5 operators as a single entry unit. Groups having more than 5 team members may submit more than one team entry. To qualify as a team entry, the team registration form on the NA SSB Sprint Website must be completed before the contest starts.
Penalties and Disqualification: Contacts with incorrect received information will be removed. Contacts not found in the other station’s log will be removed with a one-contact penalty. Entries with score reductions in excess of 5 percent may be disqualified. Any entry also may be disqualified for illegibility, illegal or unethical operation.
Starts Saturday, November 21st 21:00 UTC (1:00 PM PST) through Monday, November 23rd 02:59 UTC (6:59 PM PST Sunday night)
Contest Objective: November Sweepstakes is designed to support amateur self-training in radiocommunications, including improving amateur operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and intercommunicating with other amateurs. Stations in the United States and Canada (including territories and possessions) exchange information with as many other US and Canadian stations as possible on the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands.
There are 85 Section Multipliers in this event. Canadian stations located in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut should continue to send TER (Territories) as their section.
Contest Exchange: Sweepstakes has the longest contest exchange of any contest. It requires a great deal of “listening skill” to get it right the first time. The exchange resembles thje preamble of a Radiogram or ARES message. This makes for great skill building for EMCOMM and other Emergency or Public Service Communications. The required exchange consists of:
Serial Number: A consecutive contact number starting with 1.
Precedence:
“Q” for Single Operator, QRP (5 watts or less)
“A” for Single Operator, Low Power (more than 5 watts, but no greater than 100 watts)
“B” for Single Operator, High Power (more than 100 watts, but no greater than legal limit)
“U” for Any Single Operator Unlimited Power Category (High, Low, or QRP)
“M” for Multioperator, High Power or Multioperator, Low Power
“S” for School Club
Your Call Sign: The call sign must be included as part of the exchange.
Check: The last two digits of the year the operator or the station was first licensed. The same Check must be sent throughout the contest.
CQing Station: CQ Sweepstakes from W9JJ Answering Station: W1AW CQer: W1AW 123 A W9JJ 79 CT Answer: 43 M W1AW 31 CT CQer: Thanks, CQ Sweepstakes from W9JJ
As the answering station, it is not necessary to send the CQing station’s call before the exchange unless you think there might be some confusion about what station you are responding to.
Operating Time
All stations may operate no more than 24 of the 30 hours. Scores will be calculated from contacts logged during the first 24 hours of operation.
This rule limits operating time (listening or transmitting) to 24 hours. Contacts logged after 24 hours of operation will not be counted toward the final score, but there is no penalty for including those contacts in a submitted log, and the station contacted is eligible to receive credit for the contact.
Off-times must consist of a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes without operating. Listening time counts as operating time.
Get in on the fun of November Sweepstakes. Annie N6ACL will be operating from our home station. She has won the Pacific Division Low Power Award multiple times. Contact her if you’d like to come join us. You can get on the air at home with just 100 watts and a wire too.
Clean Sweep Mugs Commemorate working your “clean sweep” by purchasing your November Sweepstakes mug. To earn your mug, work all ARRL/RAC sections during the CW or Phone November Sweepstakes. November Sweepstakes Mugs will be available for purchase at the ARRL Store, and not through the Contest Program as has been done in the past. Mugs can be ordered by visiting the ARRL Store at https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2019824596.
Participation PinsProudly display your participation in the CW or Phone Sweepstakes with an attractive Sweepstakes Participation Pin. Each pin includes the year and mode and has become a popular tradition in the November Sweepstakes event. Participation Pins will be available for purchase at the ARRL Store, and not through the Contest Program as has been done in the past. Pins can be ordered by visiting the ARRL Store at home.arrl.org/action/Shop/Store.
Up and coming this year is the 2026 Thanksgiving Day Run in support of the Stockton Emergency Foodbank. This event is one of the main sources of needed funding. This event benefits local families unable to provide adequate food for themselves and their families. You’re volunteering and sharing Thanksgiving with those in need is greatly appreciated. The local amateur radio community has been involved in this event for 22 years and we consider this an important opportunity to support our community.
Please for you to help out “Thanksgiving morning” sign-up on the EVENT SIGN-UP page.
Thanksgiving Day Run & Walk Against Hunger event is near, Thursday, November 26, 2026. The map and assignments are being worked on.
Our mission is to provide communications necessary for the safety of participants and the public. This is both a run and a walk, conducted simultaneously on slightly different routes from the Banner Island Ballpark around Weber Point to Morelli Point (Weber Ave under I-5) and back. The 10K runners do the course twice.
Weather: The show will go on rain or shine. It normally is cool to cold during this event, be prepared for this type of weather. Raincoat?
Operators: We are currently setting up who will be at what posts – sign up today.
The Plan: We would like to meet at the Ballpark entrance at approximately 06:30 AM. The run and walk begins at 8:00 AM for the Kids and 8:30 AM for adults. Access to our post locations will be difficult after 7:15 AM unless you are on foot or bring a bicycle. The course usually is blocked off by Stockton PD and closed to traffic starting about 7:15 AM. Please expect to be out in the field along the route by 7:15 before the police are closing the roads
Parking: If you are working near Net control, you should park in the lot due west of the start area. If you arrive early enough you may be able to drive and park nearby your assigned post. Do not park in the main lot of Banner Island Ball Park or across the street.
Assignments: We will be updating the map for the posts soon.
Important: Everyone please make contact with the race flaggers in your area. Let’s help them out during setup and clean up and after the race, things move quickly. Any help you can provide to the race volunteers would be appreciated.
Safety: Please, all ham operators should be wearing a green or orange safety vest at all times during the event.
This is for your safety as well as to identify us as participants, organizers, and public safety workers. If you do not have a vest, our club has many available, just let us know, please. Think and act safely before, during, and after the event. We want you to have an enjoyable time out there.
Beverage/Pastries: There will be coffee and pastries available at the ballpark as you walk in the gate to the right. Come early.
T-Shirts: In the past, we are given event T-shirts at net control Thursday morn.
Frequencies
Main 147.210 pl 114.8 N5FDL
Backup 444.325 pl 94.8 K6KJQ Please program your HT.
Simplex 147.510 no pl
Bathrooms: Are available in the ballpark but not at our posts, so plan accordingly. Net control can advise you of potential restroom locations on the morning of the event. Morelli Park is usually not available for bathroom use.
Tactical Callsigns: Standard rules of identification apply. We will use tactical calls, but you should identify your ham station as normal FCC regulations.
Checklist:
1. Dual-band or UHF handy-talkies will work fine but be sure to bring extra batteries to avoid running out of power. Please make sure your radio is already programmed. If you want to volunteer, but do not have a UHF handy-talkie, contact us.
2. Bring a folding chair as our posts don’t have seating available.
3. Appropriate clothing for the weather, mindful it will be dark when we arrive. Cold and rain are always possible.
4. A flashlight may be helpful in the wee hours of the morning before the event
5. Traffic safety vest if you have one. If not we can provide for those that do not.
6. Hot/cold beverages and snacks, as desired.
7. Personal items, such as glasses and medication.
8. Printed Map from the website will be emailed to you. Make sure we have your email address.
Go to the event website… http://www.runagainsthunger.org/Event-Info it will give you an idea of what’s going on… Please ham radio folks do not volunteer that way, go to W6SF.org to sign up. I suggest printing out the map and bringing it with you. We will use that during the event.
Timing: The 10K race should be wrapped up by 10:30 and you’ll be home in plenty of time to enjoy Thanksgiving festivities.
Thanksgiving Day Morning 6:30 AM Downtown Stockton – Meet at the Banner Island Ball Park
2026 marks the 22nd year of our beloved family event. Last year, we had nearly 3,000 participants, and this year, we’re aiming even higher! Bring your friends and family and help us make this the biggest run/walk yet.
Supporting the Emergency Food Bank
The Emergency Food Bank has been working tirelessly this year to assist residents in emergency situations. The annual Run & Walk Against Hunger is our largest one-day fundraiser, and we hope you’ll be a part of it.
A 20 year Partnership
The Stockton-Delta Amateur Radio Club has supported the Emergency Food Bank with Communication and Logistics Operations leadership for nearly two decades. 2026 marks the 22nd year of our beloved family event. Last year, we had nearly 3,000 participants, and this year, we’re aiming even higher! Bring your friends and family and help us make this the biggest event yet.
Amateur Radio Operators are the eyes and ears on the course. Keeping 3000 participants safe by reporting what you see.
A Great Training Exercise
This is a great opportunity to test your readiness in a real emergency. Do you have HTs with spare battery? A Go-Kit with HT (VHF/UHF Handheld radio), Speaker Mic and/or headphones? Notebook and pencil? Light-weight rain cover (just in case)? Spare glasses if you need them? a small pocket knife or multi-tool, electrical tape, and small cable ties? How about a high-intensity flashlight or headlamp? We arrive typically before sunrise…
Meet at Banner Island Ball Park
We will gather starting at 6:30 AM in front of Banner Island Ball Park on Fremont St. The run starts there. Net Control will be set-up in front of the gates next to the registration table. Meet here first so we can get a group picture before deploying you along the course.
Stockton PD starts closing the roads as early as 7AM, so we want to get you on your posts by no later than 7:15 AM. Most stations can be a walk through from Start / Finish – the exception being Morelli Park and along Weber Ave.
The 10K run is usually completed by 10:30 AM and you’ll be back home in plenty of time for Thanksgiving dinner and football games!
It is that time of year again! We have proudly supported the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for many years, and our help is needed once again for this year’s event on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
This year, we’ll be stationed at the beautiful Swenson Park Golf Course, which features both 1-mile and 3-mile walk routes.
Our primary responsibilities include:
Course Setup: Placing directional and informational signs along the routes (golf carts will be available to help us move gear efficiently).
Safety & Monitoring: Serving as the “eyes and ears” on the course with our radios to keep walkers safe, informed, and on track.
Please join us in supporting this incredible cause as we raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and support services.
If you have any questions, or to sign up please contact Paul at N6kzw@sbcglobal.net. Sign Ups will be available at Thursday September 10th Club Meeting.
ATTENTION NEW HAMS! This is a great “low impact” opportunity to get on the air with your HT and practice being part of a directed net supporting a served agency. Don’t have an HT yet? Annie N6ACL and I have several “loaners” to get you on the air and participating in this great event.
W6SF Club Members are invited to participate in the 2026 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. A few minutes after 10:15 AM, our San Joaquin County Emergency Coordinator, Dan N6ZDH will activate a mock disaster net as a drill on the W6SF repeater system. Wherever you are at that time, stop and check into the net.
Participants who check in from their work location may also register their business as having participated. Unless you own the company, please check with your company leadership and seek approval.
W6SF WEEKLYBREAKFAST MEETING THURSDAY’S AT 8:00 AM
Members AND GUESTS gather weekly to enjoy Hamz & Eggz at the Omelet House, 3455 Cherokee Rd off Hwy 99 in East Stockton. Club members start gathering around 9:00 so come early if you want a good seat!
Check in on the W6SF repeater Thursday morning to find who is coming out and make sure you ask someone to save you a seat! Everyone is invited to attend; you don’t need a license. Bring a hearty appetite and an interest in all things Amateur Radio and you’ll have a good time. Refills are free!
Year of the Club 2026 is your opportunity to get on the air as W6SF.
The W6SF call is available for club members in good standing to operate on-the-air for the ARRL Year of the Club. You can sign up for a two hour shift in the Google Calendar below and choose your mode / band you wish to operate. Then, make it even more fun by inviting ham friends or additional club members over to get on the air with you!
Operating W6SF from your home station DOES NOT invoke any special privileges. If you’re a Technician, you must operate in the Technician sub bands and modes – same for General Class licenses. You MUST be a club member in good standing (i.e. dues paid for 2026). You must identify on-the-air with your callsign when you start. Check out the Be W6SF page on the website for sign up details.
