Kansas QSO Party 2026
A Weekend of Signals Across the Sunflower State
FHARC participated in the KS QSO Party on Aug. 29 & 30, 2026.
The Kansas QSO Party rolls around each year like a friendly radio reunion, and if you’ve ever tuned across the bands during that weekend, you know it’s anything but quiet. Members of the Flint Hills Amateur Radio Club again played a strong and enthusiastic role in the statewide event representing the Flint Hills and Butler County with skill, teamwork, and plenty of RF energy.
FHARC Operators on the Air
What makes this event special is its mix of competition and camaraderie. It’s part contest, part statewide adventure, and part celebration of amateur radio’s ability to connect people who may never meet in person. Gathering one again at the Schlueters home, club participation came in several forms.
This year we added a second operating station running WSJT-X (FT8) for the Kansas QSO Party. The station was set up by Barb (KDØWAU) and George KAØOSN), with George handling most of the operating. Barb jumped in for a stretch, and Catherine (KE5CEJ) got her first taste of WSJT‑X (FT8) as well.
We did run into a minor issue with stray RF getting into the computer, but we worked around it and still logged 63 FT8 QSOs—61 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.
Showcasing the Flint Hills
One of the joys of the Kansas QSO Party is the chance to highlight the unique character of our region. FHARC members helped put the Flint Hills on the map—literally—by giving operators nationwide a chance to log Butler county. Each contact is a small spotlight on our part of Kansas, and the club’s presence helped ensure the Flint Hills was well represented.
More Than a Contest
For FHARC, the QSO Party is about more than points. It’s a chance to sharpen operating skills, test equipment, enjoy friendly competition, and connect with fellow hams across the country. Hearing familiar call signs pop up on the bands adds a sense of camaraderie that makes the event feel like a statewide reunion.
Mobile Tower and Antenna
John, KØJDL brought over his tower trailer again this year allowing us to get our antenna up to about 40 feet.
Looking Ahead
With another successful Kansas QSO Party in the books, FHARC members are already talking about next year—improved setups and maybe even a few mobile adventures. The club’s participation continues to reflect its commitment to amateur radio, its pride in representing the Flint Hills and Kansas hospitality – sent over the airwaves.
