What's happening at BCARA
System Fusion is on the air! (click here)
System Fusion Repeater is on the Air! BCARA powered up the new146.700 MHz Yaesu System Fusion repeater on 7/25/15. This terrific technology allows those that want to enjoy all the benefits of a digitial mode while maintaining analog capabilities. No need to buy a new technology radio to use the same repeater, unlike DSTAR and DMR systems. If you don't hear anything on your FM radio, but see the signal strength meter active, then there is probably a digital mode QSO in progress. No problem! Watch for the repeater to drop out and just ID and join the conversation. The...
What is Ham Radio? (click here)
What is Ham Radio? Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. You can set up a ham radio station anywhere! In a field... ...at a club station.... ...or at home. Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles,...
Why should I get licensed? (click here)
Why should I get licensed? Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the US there are three license classes—Technician, General and Extra. Technician License The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above...
Ham Radio History (click here)
In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell presented his theory of the electromagnetic field. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi communicated across the Atlantic with a radio device using high power and giant antennas. To curb interference, Congress approved the Radio Act of 1912, which required amateurs to be licensed and restricted to the single wavelength of 200 meters. In 1914 the American Radio Relay League was founded by Hiram Percy Maxim, who found that messages could be sent more reliably over long distances if relay stations were organized. Transatlantic transmitting and receiving tests began in 1921 and by July 1960 the first two-way contact...
Your First Station (click here)
Your Amateur Radio station may change, but you have to start somewhere, right? Here are some fundamentals that all Amateur Radio stations have in common: Transceiver Power Supply Antenna System The Transceiver Selecting your transceiver will largely depend on how much you want to spend and what you hope to do. If you want to explore long-distance contacts on the HF bands, you’ll need an HF transceiver. If you are interested in chatting with local friends on the VHF or UHF bands, look for a VHF+ FM transceiver. Build Your Own Radio Most hams buy their radios factory assembled,...
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System Fusion is on the air! (click here)
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What is Ham Radio? (click here)
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Why should I get licensed? (click here)
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Ham Radio History (click here)
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Your First Station (click here)
Headlines
FIELD DAY 2020
Click HERE for the Group Status Board
When viewing the Group Status Board click on a callsign to see details about their on air contacts.
The status board only displays those logging with internet connectivity
Educating, Encouraging and Entertaining - Amateur Radio and BCARA
2020 officers : Pres. Kevin W8KJ, V.P. David KX8U, Sec. Mindi KC8CKW
Treas. Joe W8JBL, Board members: Richard KC8RP, and Rob W8MRL
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The Butler County Amateur Radio Association offers
amateur radio operator's license examinations,
location;
Fairfield Township Administration Building
6032 Morris Rd, Hamilton, OH.
doors open 8am, session begins at 9am..
BCARA Test Dates 4/11 canceled- 8/22 - 10/24
DIAL Test Dates 5/6 canceled (Miami University - Middletown)
Applicants must furnish the original and one photocopy of their current license (if any), original of any certificates of successful completion of examination (CSCE) they may hold, positive (photo) identification, and license ID number (FRN) .
Walk-ins welcome - Preregistration not required.
Exams are free ... No test fees will be collected.
Additional information may be obtained from Thurl Golden, KD8VLU, (513-939-4891 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Carl Morgan, K8CM, (513-422-9384 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Talk-in will be available on W8WRK/R
146.700 - , 123 Hz PL
In person BCARA meetings are cancelled until further notice due to COVID-19 - please check -in/listen to the weekly net on 146.700 PL 123 at 7pm on Tuesday evenings for further information. BCARA meetings are the 2nd Monday each month at 7pm. and are held at:
This is located on the corner of Morris Rd and Millikin Rd. Near Butler Tech. Wheelchair accessible.
We strive to provide education topics that the membership wants. Each meeting has a short business section and then into a program or training segment. Topics such as basic electronics, emergency communications, or...
Join us in person or on the air. 146.700 + pl 123 FM or System Fusion digital.
Butler County Health Department
Please come and join us, even if you are not yet...an Amateur Radio Operator, You are welcome to our events and meetings. Our group is fun, helpful and we enjoy fellowship with each other. Our monthly meetings usually include education topics or presentations. If you need assistance getting licensed, BCARA has many members and resources to help you get there. Please visit us soon. 73
BCARA email reflector. To sign-up or make changes to your account click here: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/bcara
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ARRL News
American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.-
THe K7RA Solar Update
No sunspots this week. The pattern persists, and this surprises me. But Spaceweather.com reported a couple of weak, barely emerging spots, never numbered, and by their magnetic polarity were from new Cycle 25.We rely on NOAA for official sunspot numbers, and the most recent one reported was 11 on June 15. See ftp://ftp.swpc.noaa.gov/pub/indices/DSD.txt.Average daily solar flux over the recent r...
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Intrepid-DX Group Announces Youth Essay Contest
The Intrepid-DX Group, a US-based IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes amateur radio in developing countries, has announced its first Youth Essay Contest. The prize is a new Icom IC-7300 transceiver, which the winner must agree to keep and use for 1 year. Participants will prepare a two-page essay answering these questions: (1) What are your amateur radio goals? and (2) What can w...
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New Amateur Extra Class License Manual and Extra Q&A Now Available
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Prominent Radio Amateur Helping to Lead US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Study
Well-known contester, DXer, and National Contest Journal (NCJ) Editor Scott Wright, K0MD, has been “substantially” stepping back from ham radio while offering his expertise to the US convalescent plasma COVID-19 Expanded Access Program. The study began in early April under the leadership of Dr. Michael Joyner, MD, of the Mayo Clinic; Dr. Peter Marks, MD, PhD and Dr. Nicole Verdun, MD, of the US...
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New IARU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Coordinator Appointed
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Administrative Council has appointed Martin Sach, G8KDF, as global Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Coordinator, succeeding Tore Worren, LA9QL.“EMC is a major challenge for all radiocommunication services,” the IARU noted. “Radio amateurs are experiencing increased interference caused by unwanted radio frequency emissions from a wide variety, and ...
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Annual 13 Colonies Event Gets Under Way on July 1