The Holidays are here, and Santa is firing up his ham radio! Santa Net is back on 3.916 MHz for the 19th year! Starting Friday, November 29th, good girls and boys can talk to Santa Claus, via amateur radio, nightly starting at 7:00 PM (Central). The Santa Net will run every night through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024. Pete Thomson (KE5GGY), of The 3916 Nets, commented on The Santa Net. He said, "Santa Net and Christmastime is our favorite time of the year on 3916. The band is quiet and we love connecting kids to Santa at the North Pole!” Youngsters can talk to "Santa at The North Pole" via strategically placed operators (Santa Net Relay Stations) who relay the voice of Santa. Thomson credited the dedication of 3916 net members as the reason for the net’s growth and longevity. He said, "What started with several children talking to Santa on 3916 back in 2005 has truly blossomed into an amazing group effort. Santa Net is only possible because of the net members who volunteer their time and talents as relay stations and in other support roles." In addition to connecting kids with Santa, Thomson said that Santa Net also brings young people into amateur radio. He added, “Santa Net is often the first time many of these kids experience the magic of amateur radio. Every year we hear from parents and sometimes even the kids who go onto get their amateur license after taking part in Santa Net.” Prior to each night's Santa Net, pre-net check-ins can be made at https://www.cqsanta.com/ Third party rules and regulations apply. The Santa Net is presented by The 3916 Nets. The Rag Chew Crew, The Tailgaters, 3916 Trivia and The Freewheelers are all amateur radio nets that meet on 3.916 MHz nightly. For more information on The 3916 Nets, go to http://www.3916nets.com For more information on The Santa Net go to https://www.cqsanta.com/ or email KE5GGY at Gmail dot com.
I player Santa on a vhf repeater on year and the memories of hearing the children of fellow hams tell Santa what they want for Christmas will always be part of my life. It is inspiring that the ham radio fellowship grows and keeps our bands open for such events. Good Blessings to all who make things better in our world. Bob Rice, KG4RRN EPTN NET MANAGER WEST VIRGINIA
Nice initiative for children indeed. Hope that will bring more "Youth on the Air"! We will not be able to participate from VU region, even if there is propagation in some way, because our 80m band is only up to 3700 kHz! From your website I see that there are options to listen using YouTube and WebSDR. Your timing will be 6.30 am for us and is quite convenient. Looking forward to listening from 30th November 2024, which will be the first day for our time zone. 73 Jon, VU2JO.
What a pitty that the net is on a non-European frequency. Would Santa be willing to also get out on 20m? 73 de Erwin, PA3EFR
I discovered it my first year as a ham (2022) and couldn't wait to listen last year. Anticipating it again this year. Just a heartwarming event. I love hearing the kids talk to Santa! THANK YOU to those that make this happen.
