The Hochrhein-Klettgau (A13) local chapter of the Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club (DARC) has long been a hub for passionate amateur radio enthusiasts in the region. With a rich tradition of events, technical activities, and community engagement, the club continues to foster the spirit of amateur radio.
New Year’s Reception 2025
On January 5, 2025, club members and guests gathered at the "Küssaburgblick" restaurant in Lauchringen to welcome the new year. The meeting, held at midday to avoid adverse weather conditions, provided a great opportunity to reflect on the past year. OVV Alexander DO7ASL shared a brief review of the club’s activities and milestones, while members enjoyed a meal and exchanged stories, technical experiences, and memories. The convivial atmosphere made for a delightful start to the year.
A Festive Gathering: Advent OV Evening 2024
The traditional Advent OV evening took place on December 13, 2024, at the club’s meeting location. Attendees were treated to holiday treats, mulled wine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Special guests from the OV Bad Säckingen joined the gathering, contributing to vibrant discussions on topics ranging from amateur radio to electric vehicles and photovoltaic systems. The lively evening passed quickly, leaving members with cherished memories and strengthened friendships.
Summer Gathering at Küssaburg Ruins
On July 13, 2024, the club hosted its OV evening at the Gasthof Küssaburg, located at the foot of the historic Küssaburg ruins. The event, attended by around 20 participants, was set in the beer garden, offering a perfect setting for discussions and networking. OVV Alexander Schneider, DO7ASL, welcomed everyone, including new members who had joined for the first time.
As conversations unfolded, a few attendees decided to take an evening stroll up to the Küssaburg ruins. Hermann Komm, DL2GKH, introduced the group to the amateur radio relay DB0HRH. By 10:00 PM, the last participants bid farewell, concluding a successful and engaging gathering.
Activating Küssaburg Ruins for Castle On The Air (COTA)
On May 1, 2023, the club proudly activated the Küssaburg ruins for the first time as part of the Castle On The Air (COTA) program. Using the club callsign DL0HK, the activation was led by Rolf Kurz, DO4RKR, who submitted the logbook confirming 41 successful connections. Despite rainy conditions, the team set up antennas, transceivers, and other equipment at the site’s watchtower.
By 10:30 AM, the team was operating on 40m, with Rolf guiding participants through the setup and communication process. Curious hikers stopped by to learn about amateur radio, and despite challenging signal conditions in the afternoon, spirits remained high. By 4:45 PM, the equipment was packed up, marking a rewarding day with over 40 successful QSOs. A special thanks goes to Rolf for his initiative and to all participants, including Alexander DO7ASL, Roland DH2GTi, Wolfgang DL2GKW, Albert DL2GKA, and Hermann DL2GKH.
Regular Sunday and Wednesday Rounds
The club maintains a strong on-air presence through its weekly radio rounds:
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Sunday Round: Starting at 10:30 AM via DB0HRH (439.200 MHz, Echolink Node 831754) at the Küssaburg ruins.
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Wednesday Round: Kicking off at 7:30 PM on the 2m Echolink frequency 145.2375 MHz via DB0SAC (Echolink Node 264148) from Eggberg.
These regular radio sessions provide a great platform for members to connect, exchange insights, and stay engaged with the amateur radio community.
A Thriving Amateur Radio Community
With a dynamic lineup of events, activations, and social gatherings, the Hochrhein-Klettgau (A13) chapter of the DARC continues to thrive. Whether engaging in historical site activations, technical discussions, or casual gatherings, the club remains a cornerstone for amateur radio enthusiasts in the region.
For more details and updates, visit the official Castle On The Air (COTA) website at https://www.cotagroup.org or join one of the regular club meetings to experience the vibrant world of amateur radio firsthand!
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