PARC | Ham Radio

The Best Amateur Radio Club in Florida

Category: Community Page 6 of 14

Did you know?!

By

On September 7, 2025

In Announcement, Community

Did you know?! The Playground Amateur Radio Team supports more than just Amateur Radio! It’s true! For many years, The membership of the Playground Amateur Radio Club has been sharing repeater cabinet space with WJZK Smooth Jazz 97.3 “The Bay”. This is a 100 watt Station in Fort Walton Beach Florida. If you are a fan of Jazz or not, you should tune it in when in town or out on the go! Maybe you are a fan of Jazz and just do not know it. A lot of TV shows, Movies, and other forms of entertainment use Jazz as a diegetic (source music) portrayed in the narrative of a story to capture your attention and elicit a perceived mood, action, or set of circumstances to establish a relatable experience [see, we learn things together].

WJZK hold classes and teaches Radio to youth and adults! Further, WJZK also supports non-profits by bolstering their mission and sharing the word of their events in the community! Sounds very familiar does it not?! Many people have a love of radio [regardless of transmission type] and the positive impact it has for everyone! Tune your dial, visit their website, drop them a line! You never know what good can come from the avenues you pursue! Follow the Jazz below to their website!

Jazz 

220 MHZ, an Active, Underused Frequency!

By

On September 7, 2025

In Announcement, Community, Pile-Up, Technical

Experimentation is a great thing in Amateur Radio! For instance; Operators utilize the 220 MHz band for weak signal experiments using SSB, CW, FT8, MSK144, and other WSJT-X modes, including meteor scatter contacts and grid chasing for VUCC awards!

The 220 MHz band is not dead, though it’s less popular and more sparsely used compared to the 2-meter and 70-centimeter amateur radio bands.

Current Use and Perception

  • The 220 MHz (1.25-meter) band is allocated and reserved for amateur radio use, particularly in North America.

  • While it has historically seen less commercial radio equipment and lower activity, many local ham clubs and operators do actively use the band, especially for FM repeaters and simplex operations.

  • There are still over 1,600 repeaters in the U.S. operating on 222 MHz, indicating a dedicated user base and regular activity in some regions.

Band Characteristics

  • The 220 MHz band features propagation characteristics that blend the advantages of both the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands, allowing good range and relatively low noise environments.

  • Securing coordinated repeater frequencies on 220 MHz is often easier, with less crowding and competition, which makes it attractive for clubs and groups seeking reliable local communications.

Equipment and Activity

  • The limited availability of off-the-shelf commercial equipment has historically limited growth, but specialized and enthusiast-driven hardware continues to emerge, such as repeater systems and dedicated mobile or handheld transceivers.

  • Some regions may experience “quiet” bands, but this is often an opportunity for experimentation, private communication, or for groups hoping to avoid congestion present on other VHF/UHF bands.

Community Sentiment

  • Many operators see the band as underutilized rather than actually “dead” and encourage more experimentation and activity, suggesting that with increased use, interest in the band could easily grow again.

The 220 MHz band remains an active part of the amateur radio landscape, valued for its unique properties, dedicated repeaters, and as a less crowded alternative to other VHF and UHF bands.

 

Congratulations to Dr. Fregger, KJ4ECP!

By

On September 3, 2025

In Announcement, Community

Dr. Fregger (KJ4ECP) of Family Eye Care recently announced his retirement! A congratulations is in order for him as he has been  benefactor of the Playground Amateur Radio Club for many years. He has served in multiple roles in the Executive and Administration of the Organization and contributed uncounted hours of community service to support Amateur Radio! Dr. Fregger was also a long time Treasurer of the Playground Amateur Radio Club and essential in keeping the organization going while being mindful enough to train and seek out a replacement after his need ot focus on his goals for his family and his future. He has always had a smile and a handshake for those that see him in person and over the air he has given kind words and wonderful advice!

Dr Fregger has traditionally been the VOICE at many of the Hamfests put on in Fort Walton Beach for many, many years and is a staple in our Amateur Radio Community!  Dr. Fregger loves the Beach! Dr. Fregger is not going away, he is starting his next chapter and we at the Playground Amateur Radio Club are proud to call him our friend! Be sure to offer him congratulations on his achievement and return that fabulous handshake and a smile which calms the mind and keys the mic!

CONGRATULATIONS DOC! 

PARC B Q Success!!!

By

On August 31, 2025

In Announcement, Events, Fox Hunting, Pile-Up

CQ! Thanks to all that came out to the PARC B Q, Amateur Radio Open House! What a great time and wow did we share the joy of worldwide communications demonstrating public service! Stay tuned as we embark into the next event! Until then, 73’s and stay safe!

 

FOX HUNT! // PARC B Q!! // OPEN HOUSE!!!

By

On August 27, 2025

In Announcement, Community, Events, Fox Hunting, Pile-Up, Technical

The time is nigh! The details are in!! Are YOU ready to Hunt the hidden FOX Transmitter?!!

The Rules: 

You can start at the Clubhouse at 1000 on Sunday Aug 31st 2025! 17 First St SE Fort Walton Beach Florida

You can also start from any location you desire!

You must obey traffic laws. Have fun but please be safe.

You can use any radio and antenna set up you want!

You DO NOT need to be an Amateur Radio Operator to hunt the FOX!

The FOX will be hidden in a public location in the city of Fort Walton Beach Florida only.

The Details: 

The FOX will be on 146.565 Megahertz simplex. That means no offset, no shift, no tone. 

The FOX will transmit from 1000 to 1200 only. 

Teams are encouraged for triangulation but not mandatory.

Following the fox hunt, the Playground Amateur Radio Club will host a BBQ with an Open House! This starts at 1200 pm and goes until 500  pm. Food and Drink will be available for $5.00 /plate. Cash is King. Donations are also greatly appreciated!

All times are in Central Time.

 

 

 

Free online Technician License radio class!

By

On August 23, 2025

In Announcement, Community, Events, Testing

Free online Technician License radio class.

Sat/Sun of Labor Day weekend.

(August 30-31, 2025)

REGISTER VIA EMAIL ONLY (ars.n7ji@gmail.com).

Thanks!

 

OPEN HOUSE, AUG 31, 2025, NOON to FIVE! Fox Hunt at 1000 am!

By

On August 17, 2025

In Announcement, Community, Events, Fox Hunting, Pile-Up

Experience the World of Ham Radio at our Open House!
Join the Playground Amateur Radio Club for an exciting Amateur Radio Open House and explore the captivating world of ham radio!
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a unique hobby and service that allows individuals to communicate across town or around the globe using radio waves. It’s a fantastic way to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and other scientific disciplines.
What to Expect at the Open House
Whether you’re curious about getting involved or already licensed, our Open House is the perfect opportunity to:
  • See live demonstrations: Witness hams in action making contacts locally and potentially internationally.
  • Learn about the technology: Explore the different types of equipment, antennas, and modes used in amateur radio.
  • Connect with local hams: Meet experienced operators who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences.
  • Discover emergency communications: Learn about the vital role ham radio plays in disaster relief when other communication systems fail.
  • Get started with licensing: Find out how to obtain your ham radio license and explore the different license classes.
  • Hands-on activities: Depending on the club, you might be able to try your hand at operating a radio or building a simple antenna.
Why Join the Amateur Radio Community?
  • Lifelong learning: Continuously expand your knowledge of radio technology, operating practices, and more.
  • Community and camaraderie: Connect with a supportive and welcoming community of enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Emergency preparedness: Be ready to provide vital communication support in times of need.
  • Experimentation and innovation: Amateur radio is a platform for exploring new technologies and building your own equipment.
Don’t miss out on this chance to embark on an exciting and rewarding journey!

SURPRISE!!! There will be a FOX hunt from 1000 – 1200 starting from the clubhouse and hunting in the City Limits of Fort Walton Beach! 

W4RH, Remembering a Legacy

By

On August 5, 2025

In Announcement, Community

All,

Please respect the families right to privacy.

I have been asked to inform you that long time Amateur Radio Operator Frank Butler is now a Silent Key at the age of 100.

W4RH was and remains a staple in the community. He was a benefactor of many organizations, institutions, and community partners. Franks legacy, honored as Ham of the Century last year, stands to showcase that being a club member, an ARRL Official, participating in the community, serving in official organizations, and being a sound voice of reason embodies the mission of Amateur Radio and beyond.

Please take a moment to reflect on your interactions with Frank. He will surely be missed.

73’s Frank, from your entire Amateur Radio Family.

 

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!!

By

On August 3, 2025

In Events, Pile-Up

We had a great Pile-Up today at the Playground Amateur Radio Club! Visitors and members showed up and let me tell you what! We completed the connection to the Frankantenna R7 / R9 build! We made contacts on multiple bands and its back!

 

But wait, there’s more! We also helped out our fellow members with a flat tire and fixed a tangled web of coax on an antenna system!

 

If that is not enough, we learned more about the W4ZBB FT8 Station! WHAT?! PARC does FT8?! Yuppers! You better believe it!

 

We also had others at the Club benefiting discussion on upcoming events and Radio work! Here’s a teaser for two such events,…watch in and upcoming release for the PARC B Q Open House! Also, be on the lookout for more details concerning this year’s Ham for the Holidays dinner in partnership and sponsored by North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club – NOARC!

 

Oh the joy of radio and fellowship!

 

One last thing, if you’re reading this, Thursday at 730pm is Tech Night at the Playground Amateur Radio Club! This week we bring you the CSFL! The subject of the August Technical Night will be “Integration of Amateur Radio and Other Community Networks”. That means we’ll be talking about GMRS, MURS, and other radio types and how we can work with them for the benefit of us all!

 

See you all soon!

 

 

A View from the Past

By

On August 2, 2025

In Community

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Florida 1960’s ish. Zoom in and follow the arrow to see the Clubhouse when it was the City Hall, Water and Sewer, Police, and Fire Station.

Page 6 of 14

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén