One of the great things about Ham Radio is its ability to bring people together. Whether congregating at a hamfest, attending an educational seminar, making a QSO with a station across the Atlantic, or teaming up with friends on an antenna project, Ham Radio is at its best when we’re able to share the excitement of this great hobby.
Nowhere is this more true than at Amateur Radio club meetings that occur every day across the U.S. and around the world.
“If you are a new Ham, joining a local club can help you get on the air and be successful much faster than if you tried to do it on your own,” said Tom Sly, WB8LCD, Ohio Section Affiliated Clubs Coordinator for the ARRL. “Most clubs have members who can offer a lot of practical knowledge on setting up the technology to work for your intended purpose. Learning from the experience of others will drastically reduce the learning curve to set up a working station and become proficient in the operating skills necessary.”
If you’re newly licensed and have been reluctant to join a club, rest assured that you won’t find a more welcoming community than Ham Radio folks. Where do you start? Click here to search for an ARRL-affiliated club (out of nearly 2,500 in the U.S.) in your area.
For a good look at all you can get out of an Amateur Radio club, visit the PCARS (Portage County Amateur Radio Service, Ohio) website. Check out the club newsletter to see how active PCARS is. The group was honored as the Dayton Hamvention® Club of the Year in 2018.
Also check out these articles on more reasons to join an Amateur Radio club and ways to get visitors and members involved.
