Your Source for Amateur Radio Fun

1. Register with a contesting organization: Joining a club or organization that sponsors amateur radio contests is a great way to get started. These groups often provide information on upcoming contests, rules, and scoring procedures.

2. Build a contest-ready station: Make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as a transceiver, antenna, and amplifiers, to participate in contests. Set up your station in a quiet location with minimal interference to maximize your chances of success.

3. Study the rules: Each contest has its own set of rules governing things like operating times, bands, modes, and scoring. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure you are operating within the guidelines.

4. Practice operating efficiently: Contests can be fast-paced and intense, so it’s important to practice efficient operating techniques such as quickly making contacts, logging information accurately, and managing time effectively.

5. Use spotting networks: Utilize spotting networks like DX clusters to find and connect with other operators. These networks can help you identify stations to contact and track your progress during the contest.

6. Submit your log: After the contest is over, make sure to submit your log to the contest organizers for scoring. Be sure to follow the submission guidelines to ensure your results are counted accurately.

7. Have fun: Amateur radio contests are a great way to challenge yourself, improve your skills, and connect with other operators around the world. Remember to enjoy the experience and learn from each contest you participate in.

Hello, Fellow Hams.

Please take time to update your membership information.  The membership renewal form is available to update your information.  The club is accepting membership renewals by mail or at monthly meetings.  Your membership dues are the sole source of revenue for the club to accomplish our activities.  Dues fund the following items.

• Club repeater maintenance
• Club website
• Member email forwarding service
• Club mailbox
• Club library
• Club equipment
• Club operating fees

Join us at the next meeting!

Happy Hamming!

Club Membership Form

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Hello, Friends.

The technical committee is working on an upgrade to the backend of the club website. You may notice some small changes and we may need to discontinue some services. We are working to replace website code and some hardware to bring everything back so you don’t miss out. If you notice something not working, it’s probably on our punch list to correct. If everything goes well you will not notice any changes and everything will work the same way. However, the back of the house will be the most modern platform for security and operation.

Happy Hamming!

KC8BAR 2008 Field Day

We have lost a dear friend.  John McDowell KC8BAR born March 13, 1947 passed away on November 13, 2019 in Grand Rapids.  John was an ever active BRAARC member that attend many club breakfasts, meetings and events.  You could always count on John to make many Field Day contacts and to share his love of amateur radio, movie theaters, and antique electronics.  John made many club endeavors possible, including the club repeater sites.   We will miss his cheerful greetings and sage advice on all things club related.  Obituary  Silent Key

It’s time again for the N8PUG Food Drive because there is never a time for hunger. We need your help to collect food items. Your donation of non-perishable food items will be accepted at the December club holiday extravaganza – dinner.

There are families that need our help to keep food on their tables. The N8PUG Food Drive can help fill a small part of this need but only with your help. Check your emergency food stocks for items that are nearing their expiration dates. This way you can refresh your food stocks and donate still usable items. Rotation of food stocks is an important aspect of household emergency planning. Please only bring as much as you can spare.

The club food drive was originally organized by late club member James Orlowski, N8PUG (1960 – 2009). Known to every club member as Jim, he was a man of action in preventing hunger in our community. Jim, a man of little means, always donated more food than any other club member. We lost a dear friend in his passing but we honor his memory by helping feed those around us that are in need.

The N8PUG Food Drive benefits Project Starburst through the collection of non-perishable food items. Annually, BRAARC member collect and donate many food items during the club’s annual holiday celebration.

Happy Hamming!