Lot's Airwaves: The ADRA46, Guiding Radio Amateurs in Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc

MONTCUQ-EN-QUERCY-BLANC, Lot — In the heart of the Lot department (46), the Association Des RadioAmateurs du Lot (ADRA46) serves as a central hub for the region's radio enthusiasts. Located at Les trois chênes, Lieudit Le Breuil, 46800 Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc, this local REF (Réseau des Émetteurs Français) affiliate is dedicated to fostering the hobby, facilitating communication, and providing essential resources for its members.

The ADRA46 is presided over by M. Pierre Drumont (F6BLZ), who can be reached via email at bureau@adra46.org. The association maintains a robust online presence through its website, http://adra46.org/index.php, which serves as a comprehensive resource for information and updates on their activities. While no dedicated QSL manager is listed, the association's focus on information and contests suggests active engagement with the global amateur radio network.

A Wealth of Resources for Contesters and DXers

The ADRA46's website stands out for its valuable section dedicated to "Concours & Infos Trafics" (Contests & Traffic Info), catering to the competitive and long-distance communication aspects of amateur radio. This resource provides:

• Upcoming Contest Calendar: A comprehensive overview of upcoming competitions, allowing members to plan their operations.
• REF Contests: Direct links to information on contests organized by the national Réseau des Émetteurs Français.
• HF Contest Agenda: A detailed schedule of HF contests for the next four weeks, invaluable for active operators.

Beyond domestic contests, the ADRA46 also provides links to international DX (long-distance communication) information, largely powered by the widely respected NG3K resource:

• Upcoming DXpeditions: Information on future DXpeditions, enabling members to prepare for rare contacts.
• DX Contest Info: General information related to DX contests.
• DXCC Entity Table by Prefix: A crucial tool for tracking progress towards the DXCC award, which recognizes contacts with 100 or more distinct "entities" (countries or geographical areas).
• Former USSR Prefixes and Suffixes: Specialized information for navigating contacts with stations from the former Soviet Union.

These resources highlight the ADRA46's commitment to supporting its members in competitive and challenging aspects of amateur radio, from improving operational skills to achieving prestigious international awards. The association provides a vital local resource, enhancing the amateur radio experience in the Lot department.