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!
What do you expect out of Ham Radio! Why should you join?! Listen, this hobby is a passion. You get to meet great people, share in a community, support your local area, and the nest part, it is just plain fun! You can expect to meet a diverse global community of like-minded individuals, forming lasting friendships with people from all walks of life, cultures, and continents, often connecting through shared interests in technology and communication. This sense of camaraderie is a core part of the hobby, where hams often gather on regular “nets” to exchange information, share stories, and support one another!
Choose Your License Level
Most beginners start with the Technician license, which gives access to local and some regional frequencies.
As you advance, you may pursue the General and Amateur Extra licenses, each granting more privileges.
Study for the Exam
Use online courses, books, or video tutorials that cover radio theory, regulations, and operating practices.
The Technician exam features 35 multiple-choice questions—practice exams and quizzes help reinforce your learning.
All test questions and answers are publicly available for efficient study and memorization.
Register and Take the Exam
You must register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) online.
Exams are administered in-person by local ham clubs or remotely online through accredited coordinators.
Upon passing, pay a nominal FCC licensing fee (currently $35 in the US).
Get Your License and Call Sign
Once the FCC processes your application (often within a day), you’ll receive your official call sign and can begin transmitting legally.
Purchase a handheld radio (such as a Baofeng UV-5R or other entry-level models).
Join local ham radio clubs for advice, networking, and support.
Explore local repeaters, emergency communications, and hobby activities like fox hunts, contests, and experimentation.
Getting into ham radio is an accessible process for beginners: choose a license, study, pass the exam, and start transmitting with your new FCC-issued call sign.
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:
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.
So you want to have Parks on the Air (POTA). What is stopping you from organizing a POTA or similar event? Are you reliant on your Club or Organization to take your idea and tell you what to do, when to show up, and where to be? Do you only want to participate with others in an officially organized fashion? Are you not comfortable with your skillset to understand the operational requirements? Do you not have the equipment? Do you not understand the logging process? Have you visited the online resources to better understand what you are thinking about? Are you attempting to involve your organization as a positive influence and enhance teamwork and fellowship? Do you know where the POTA spots in your area are?
What seems to be missing as evident by the litany of questions is clear action after a statement of desire has been made. Are you sitting idly by with wants and wishes but not acting and in wait for “someone else” to take the reins?
Have no fear. The POTA Guide is here to not only help you understand what you will need, where you can go, how to log, but also how to inspire and set up an event for a single or multiple operators. One of the fallacies of group participation is that there must be an office or official in charge for an event to represent a Club or Organization. While that may be true for the use of the call sign with the permission of the call sign trustee, nothing is further from the truth when it comes to running an event in single or group mode. I have set up multiple events long before I assumed any roles in the administration of a Club or Organization. I was for all intents and purposes, just a member. But that does not mean I did not have a voice or a lack of motivation. Leadership comes from personal traits, learned skills, and a choice to guide and inspire others. You have already achieved so much by just volunteering your time, learning a skill, becoming a licensed operator, and many other untold successes. Why not act on them and take ownership of your yearning for communication?!
As with everything in Amateur Radio, reading is a large part of understanding and operation. Mike Case, W8MSC spent significant time compiling invaluable information for the Parks on the Air Activator Guide. Through his research and deep dives into POTA topics, he created a straightforward and easy to understand operating instruction for all to view. On the same website are other guides such as the Parks on the Air Club Activation Guide. Further instructions include how to log, how to submit logs, what the rules are, a park locator and more.
So, whether you are operating from anywhere as a hunter or going out and being an activator, the guides on the Parks on the Air website will guide you and your teams to surefire success! Be sure to read the items below, visit the website, take the lead, and pave the way for fun and engagement with all! So come along on the journey, grab cup of joe or whatever tickles your fancy, settle in and let us learn together to continue to advance the hobby, recruit, and retain others. Share the Joy and POTA this way!
The POTA Activator Guide:
https://docs.pota.app/docs/activator_reference/activator_guide-english.html
The POTA Club Activation Guide:
https://docs.pota.app/docs/activator_reference/activator_guide_clubs.html
Park List:
POTA Home page:
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!
SURPRISE!!! There will be a FOX hunt from 1000 – 1200 starting from the clubhouse and hunting in the City Limits of Fort Walton Beach!
Amateur Radio is a hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. While its technical aspects and emergency communication capabilities are important, the positivity within the amateur radio community plays a vital role in its growth and sustainability. Building a welcoming and inclusive environment encourages new members, fosters learning, and allows individuals to thrive within the hobby.
The power of positive interactions
Amateur radio thrives on connection and camaraderie. Positive interactions, whether on-air or in person at clubs and events, contribute significantly to a vibrant community. Hams are known for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with newcomers, offering guidance on everything from antenna construction to operating techniques. This spirit of helpfulness and shared learning creates a supportive environment where operators feel comfortable exploring new aspects of the hobby and developing their skills.
Encouraging new operators and promoting diversity
To ensure the hobby’s future, it’s essential to attract and retain new operators. This involves actively promoting inclusivity and making all newcomers feel welcome, regardless of their background or operating style. The amateur radio community is actively working on creating a more diverse and inclusive space that young hams are eager to make the community a welcoming and supportive place for everyone they encounter. Efforts to engage with young audiences through school presentations, radio merit badge events for scouts, and youth-focused contests can inspire the next generation of operators.
Amateur radio and personal growth
Beyond the technical aspects, amateur radio offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. It can build self-confidence, facilitate the learning of new skills, and introduce individuals to a worldwide community. Passing the licensing exam is a significant boost of confidence, and that on-air competence builds over time. Some even find the hobby to be therapeutic, reducing isolation and aiding in mental health recovery.
Giving back to the community
Amateur radio operators often dedicate their time and skills to community service, particularly in emergency communications. When traditional communication channels fail during disasters, amateur radio provides a reliable lifeline for coordinating resources and relaying vital information. This spirit of public service fosters a sense of purpose and strengthens the community bonds within amateur radio.
Fostering a positive environment in amateur radio goes beyond just technical proficiency. It’s about building strong connections, promoting inclusivity, encouraging learning, and inspiring a new generation of operators to embrace the rewarding world of ham radio. By focusing on these aspects, the amateur radio community can continue to grow, evolve, and remain a valuable resource for emergency communications and personal enrichment.
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.
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!
Amateur radio, often known as “ham radio,” is a unique hobby that blends the excitement of long-distance communication with a strong commitment to public service. Amateur radio clubs play a crucial role in fostering this unique blend, offering a range of capabilities that extend beyond simply connecting hobbyists. These organizations are vital hubs for learning, community building, and even essential emergency preparedness, often serving as lifelines during times of crisis.
One of the cornerstones of amateur radio clubs is their dedication to education and training. Many clubs offer classes and workshops covering a broad spectrum of topics, from basic radio operation and licensing requirements to advanced antenna building and digital communication modes. This educational component is vital for attracting and nurturing new enthusiasts, ensuring the continued growth and vitality of the amateur radio community. Clubs may provide resources like study guides, practice tests, and even the opportunity to take licensing exams, making it easier for individuals of all ages to embark on their ham radio journey.
Beyond the purely technical aspects, amateur radio clubs foster a strong sense of community and fellowship. They provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on projects. Club meetings often feature guest speakers, demonstrations, and opportunities for hands-on activities, making them engaging and informative for members at all skill levels. This social interaction is particularly valuable for new operators, as clubs often offer mentorship programs where seasoned members guide and support those just starting out.
The capabilities of amateur radio clubs become especially apparent during emergency situations. When traditional communication infrastructures like cell towers and internet connections fail due to natural disasters or other emergencies, amateur radio operators step in to fill the communication void. Clubs often have dedicated Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) or Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) programs, where trained volunteers work closely with local authorities and emergency management agencies. They can rapidly deploy communication stations, provide real-time situational reports, and facilitate communication between emergency responders, government agencies, and affected communities.
Furthermore, many amateur radio clubs are actively involved in public service events. They volunteer their time and equipment to assist with communication needs during events like parades, marathons, bike tours, and festivals, ensuring the smooth operation and safety of participants. This commitment to public service not only benefits the community but also provides valuable training and experience for club members, sharpening their communication skills and preparedness for potential emergencies.
Finally, amateur radio clubs are often at the forefront of technical advancement and experimentation within the hobby. They provide resources and encouragement for members to explore various aspects of radio technology, including specialized communication modes, antenna design, and digital systems. This continuous learning and innovation ensure that amateur radio remains a relevant and evolving service, ready to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
In essence, amateur radio clubs are much more than just gathering places for hobbyists. They are dynamic organizations that play a vital role in education, community building, emergency preparedness, and technical innovation, making significant contributions to their local communities and the broader amateur radio world.
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