Home

What's happening at BCARA

System Fusion is on the air! (click here)

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? (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? (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)

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 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,...

Previous Next

  • System Fusion is on the air! (click here)

  • What is Ham Radio? (click here)

  • Why should I get licensed? (click here)

  • Ham Radio History (click here)

  • Your First Station (click here)

BCARA introduces Scouts to Amateur Radio

David, KX8U demonstrating HF radios, operations and antennas
Kevin, W8KJ giving an overview of amateur radio. Mindi KC8CKW running slideshow.
Explaining the science involved in amateur radiol
Charlie, K8CLC demonstates VHF/UHF simplex and repeater operations.
Troop 942!
Thurl - KD8ULV, David - K8XU, Matt - N8NMB, Kevin - W8KJ looking on.

Headlines

A team of BCARA members did a "Radio Merit" presentation for Scout Troop #942 in Liberty Township recently. General topics were covered. We also did demostrations of HF, VHF, CW (morse code) and antennas.

At the end a drawing was held and one of the scouts took home a Shortwave receiver !

 

 

 

new BCARA logo

 

Educating, Encouraging and Entertaining - Amateur Radio and BCARA 

 2019 officers : Pres. Kevin W8KJ, V.P. David KX8U, Sec. Mindi KC8CKW

Treas. Joe W8JBL, Board members: Matt N8NMB, and Rob W8MRL 

 

...........................................................................................................................................

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..

Current 2019 dates are:

April 13, Aug 24, and Oct 26

 Dial Radio Club in Middletown also  offers exams,

Room 7 at Thesken Hall of Miami U Middletown

  Mar 20, and May 8th, 2019

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) or social security (SSN) number.

 

If you are applying for your first license, please go to https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do and obtain a FRN. This web site is self explanatory and the FRN registration is free.

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

 

BCARA meetings are the 2nd Monday each month at 7pm. and are held at:

Fairfield Township Administration Bldg.
6032 Morris Rd. Hamilton,OH 45011

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.

 
 BCARA -official emergency communications partner with the 

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

 

Yip Yips like CW

 

Meetings

BCARA meetings are the 2nd Monday each month at 7pm.

Fairfield Township Administration Bldg. 6032 Morris Rd. Hamilton,OH 45011
This is located on the corner of Morris Rd and Millikin Rd.  Near Butler Tech.  Wheelchair accessible.
 Please join us on our new, high profile, repeater! Serving the entire Tri-State area @ 146.700(-) PL 123 Please check into our weekly Net: Tuesday's on 146.700(-)  PL 123.0 at 7:00pm
HF Round Table Friday's on 10 Meters 28.410 (+ or -) QRM at 9:00pm

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.

Solar Data