W1AW/4 - Event Registration - Please respond by December 22, 2025

Hello Fellow South Carolina Amateur Radio Operator,

In 2023, South Carolina Amateur Radio operators proudly participated in ARRL’s Year of the Volunteer (VOTA). In 2026, ARRL will shift the spotlight to the Year of the Club (COTA). Because our clubs depend so greatly on dedicated volunteers, I like to think of this year's celebration as a combined COTA/VOTA effort.

As with the 2014 ARRL Centennial Celebration and the 2018 International Grid Chase, this event will rely exclusively on QSOs uploaded to Logbook of The World (LoTW).

Throughout 2026, there will be week-long activations of portable W1AW/# stations in all 50 states and several U.S. territories. Operators can earn points by contacting these W1AW portable stations as well as ARRL members and volunteers. Each state will be activated twice.

For South Carolina, W1AW/4 will be on the air during the following weeks:

·         January 14–21, 2026

·         July 22–29, 2026

ARRL South Carolina Section Manager Matthew Crook has asked KG9V – Scott Putnam to lead this effort, assisted by W4ANT – Alan Fitzsimmons. Together they will be assembling a top-tier team of operators from across the state.

Groups such as the Swamp Fox Contest Group, K2L 13 Colonies Operators, and other clubs or individual operators are warmly invited to participate. We will be using a scheduling and reporting system based on the familiar K2L platform.

During each activation week, W1AW/4 (SC) will be the only station in the world operating on its assigned band and mode. This generates tremendous interest and heavy call volume—ideal for operators who enjoy fast-paced operating, large pileups, and high-demand conditions.

If you are interested in serving as a W1AW/4 (SC) operator, please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below. Your response by Monday, December 22, 2025, would be greatly appreciated.

LINK ===>  Click Here Registration Link

Thank you in advance for supporting this important statewide effort. South Carolina has a strong tradition of excellence in ARRL operating events, and with your help, we look forward to making W1AW/4 another outstanding success.

We look forward to working with you on the air in 2026.

'73 - Scott / KG9V

Any questions can be directed to me at Scott.KG9V@gmail.com

Thanks,

Matthew R Crook, W1MRC

ARRL Section Manager, South Carolina