Côte d'Armor's Airwaves: F4EUG Guides a Connected Amateur Radio Scene

CÔTES-D'ARMOR, France — In the department of Côtes-d'Armor (22), the local amateur radio community is thriving, actively engaged in global communication, even without a formally listed departmental president. A central figure in this vibrant scene is M. Anthony Coetmeur (F4EUG), who serves as the designated QSL Manager, ensuring efficient confirmation of contacts for enthusiasts across the region.

The digital hub for the Côtes-d'Armor amateur radio scene is its website, http://araca22.r-e-f.org, which provides resources and information for local operators.

F4EUG: A Contesting Force and QSL Connoisseur

Anthony Coetmeur, known by his callsign F4EUG, is a highly active and globally engaged radio amateur. His QRZ.com page highlights his current pursuit of the USA-CA (Counties Award), a challenging endeavor that requires contacts with a significant number of U.S. counties. This commitment to specific awards demonstrates a deep engagement with the hobby's competitive and geographical aspects.

For confirmations related to the USA-CA, eQSL-AG is currently the preferred online QSL system, and operators are encouraged to send an eQSL-AG after a QSO. While paper cards are also accepted, F4EUG has implemented a clear policy for digital mode contacts with Europe: as of January 1, 2022, all digimode QSOs with Europe are confirmed via LOTW (Logbook of the World) exclusively. This streamlines the confirmation process for high-volume digital contacts.

For all other types of QSOs (contacts), F4EUG offers a flexible QSL policy:

• Direct: Requires 1 Self-Addressed Envelope (SAE) + 1 IRC (International Reply Coupon) expiring in 2025 or later, or 2 USD.
• Bureau: Via REF-22 (the local REF bureau). It is crucial to note that only the REF bureau is accepted for this method.
• Unreturned Postage: QSLs received without return postage will be replied to via the bureau.

Managing Special Call Signs and Portable Operations

F4EUG's role extends beyond his personal callsign. He is also the QSL manager for several special event callsigns, including:

• TM22P
• TM1MOON (requests preferably via Clublog OQRS)
• TM6BRE (for operations in 2008, 2013, and 2014)
• F6KBO
• HK6CF (SK) (for contacts made with HK6CF between July 1, 2013, and February 23, 2020, following the silent key of the station).

For his portable activities, F4EUG strongly recommends checking his dedicated page, F4EUG/P, and utilizing Clublog OQRS for QSL requests, further simplifying the process for operators worldwide.

Anthony Coetmeur's meticulous approach to QSL management and his active participation across various facets of amateur radio underscore the vibrant and well-organized nature of the amateur radio community in Côtes-d'Armor.