PRA members assisted the Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) group with a high altitude balloon launch mission. This flight reached an altitude in excess of 80,000 feet. The mission was EOSS 391, a qualification flight for EOSS payloads including N993SS ADS-B, APRS Digipeater, APRS DF beacon and wireless balloon release hardware. Amatuer radio is integral to these missions, tracking location and altitude information, as well as monitoring the descent phase. DMR and FM modes were used by the team while locating the landing site for payload recovery.

Continuing on from our March club meeting, the monthly Elmer Night centered around DMR radios and programming options for Code Plugs. Great stuff!

For our March club meeting, Paul – AC5S provided club members with a detailed presentation covering the DMR Digital Mode. This was well received, as DMR is extremely popular, but can also be somewhat confusing.

We had another full house for our February Elmer meeting! Dan – N2SRK provided attendees with a fantastic presentation on the D-Star digital mode.

One of the things that makes this club truly special is our regular Elmer meetings, where we share valuable insights on all things amateur radio. We’d love for you to join us—the meeting schedule is conveniently listed on our club groups.io page.

We had a great turnout for our February club meeting. Mike – W9CN presented a detailed overview covering the Edge of Space Sciences organization, and how Amateur Radio plays an integral role in their science balloon missions.

Winter Field Day was the perfect backdrop for the PRA to organize an emergency communications exercise event. The club ran multiple comm stations – located across Douglas and Elbert Counties. Station setups included HF, NVIS HF, and Simplex FM capabilities. Club members were encouraged to visit each location, and get on the air. Stations also provided commemorative collector stickers for participants, as well as issuing playing cards for the ‘PRA Poker Run’. All were encouraged to meet up at Fuzzy’s for a post-event debrief luncheon, where the winning poker hands were announced!

For our January club meeting, the PRA welcomed Amanda Alden – K1DDN. Amanda is currently serving as the Colorado Section Manager for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Amanda provided the club with details regarding the ARRL’s “Year of the Club” event. This is a year-long celebration for 2026, emphasizing the vital role amateur radio clubs play in the hobby’s growth, public service, and community involvement. She outlined upcoming activities, which include special programs, operating events, and recognition for club achievements.