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Binghamton Amateur Radio Association – November 2025

In
classic BARA style, our club turned out in full force to activate W2OW during
the New York QSO Party. Operating from the Kopernik Observatory and Science
Center, we competed in the Fixed Multi-Multi Low Power category, running less
than 100 watts but packing plenty of punch. This year’s effort topped
last year’s first place contact count, thanks in large part to Evan
K2EJT and his impressive haul of CW contacts. His dedication on the key
helped push our totals higher and show cased the strength of BARA’s
operating bench.
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W2OW's Contest
Summary Report for 2025 NY QSO Party:
Operating Period: 2025/10/18 14:23 -
2025/10/19 01:36
·
Total
Contacts:
577
·
Total
Points:
86,925
Contacts by
Band and Mode:
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80m
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40m
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20m
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15m
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10m
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2m
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1.25m
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70 cm
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Total
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CW
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149
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164
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0
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0
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25
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0
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0
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0
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338
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Phone
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0
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122
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44
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23
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33
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10
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2
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5
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239
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25.8%
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49.6%
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7.6%
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4.0%
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10.1%
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1.7%
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0.3%
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0.9%
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577
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Our
goal was to have fun as a team and learn from each other. Special thanks to
those who helped with the planning, setup, and cleanup. Future plans include
training on contesting and logging, as well as more practice on the club's
rigs, in advance of various events. Here’s to more great BARA team
collaborations.
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Calendar of Events
We are excited to share the following updates and
reminders for upcoming events.
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K3RF Talking Up a Storm
On Saturday, October 19, 2025, Fox 29 in Philadelphia featured amateur
radio and offered a great opportunity to share our hobby with the general
public. The segment ran for a full hour and included ARRL Atlantic Division
Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF, along with storm chaser Lou Ruh, WX3I. They
discussed ham radio’s purpose, relevance, and community service role
in a conversation guided by meteorologist and host Drew Anderson.
Recordings of these television broadcasts are not usually posted, but thanks
to Lou WX3I, the segment is now publicly available on YouTube.
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North American QRP CW Club
If you enjoy the challenge and charm of low-power Morse code operating,
consider joining the North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC). This friendly
organization is dedicated to promoting CW at QRP levels and offers a
variety of ways to get involved, including monthly operating challenges,
sprints, and a free newsletter full of tips and member stories. Membership
is free, and the club welcomes operators of all skill levels who share a
love for doing more with less.
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Tom Jenkins W2TJ is heading up the effort to form a Southern
Tier chapter to provide our local operators a chance to connect more closely
with this vibrant community. Whether you're a seasoned CW operator or just
starting out,
NAQCC is a great way to build CW skills, make contacts, and
enjoy the camaraderie of fellow QRP enthusiasts.
Visit naqcc.info to learn more and sign
up.
ARISS - Amateur Radio on the ISS
Wednesday, November 12 thru Thursday, November 20, 2025
Slow Scan Television Event on 145.800 MHz

Did you know that Amateur Radio was the first educational
payload on the International Space Station (ARISS)?
ARISS lets students worldwide experience the excitement of
talking directly with crew members onboard the International Space Station,
inspiring them to pursue interests in careers in science, technology,
engineering and math, and engaging them with radio science technology through
amateur radio. Plans are shaping up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the @Space_Station in
style! Get ready for an SSTV event covering parts of 9 days!
It's scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, November 12 at 12:30 pm
Eastern time.
BARA Breakfast at Blue Dolphin
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
7670 Vestal Parkway West,
Apalachin, NY

Many members of the club may not be aware that, years ago, BARA
hosted a regular Amateur Radio breakfast. It is with great enthusiasm that we
announce the return of this enjoyable tradition. Beginning on Saturday,
November 15th and continuing on the third Saturday of each month, we will
once again gather for the BARA Breakfast at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant in
Apalachin. The breakfast will begin around 9:00 am and continue informally
until everyone has finished their meal and conversation. This gathering
provides the opportunity for fellowship, discussion of our shared interests,
and strengthening the camaraderie that defines our amateur radio community.
We look forward to seeing you there as we revive this long-standing tradition
and enjoy good food, good company, and great conversation.
Volunteer Exam (VE) Test
Session
Wednesday,
November 19, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00
pm
Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

Held
one hour before our monthly member meetings, our VE Test Sessions are an
excellent opportunity for anyone looking to earn their amateur radio license
or upgrade their existing privileges. Walk-ins are allowed.
Amateur
radio license exams are still being held though a temporary government
shutdown has delayed new license processing by the FCC. Volunteer Examiners
(VEs) are still conducting exams, but candidates may need to take a temporary
workaround for the FCC Registration Number (FRN) requirement and wait to
receive their official license until the FCC systems are back online.
While
our exams are free, the FCC charges a $35 fee for new licenses, renewals, and
vanity call sign requests.
This fee is not handled at the VE session, it is paid directly
to the FCC. Once you have successfully completed your test, you will receive
an email with detailed instructions from the FCC once your application is
processed.
For
more information, please visit: larc-vec.org/displayteam.php?team=BARA.
BARA Monthly Club Meeting
Wednesday,
November 19, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30
pm
Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

Everyone is welcome to attend, as BARA meetings are open to
all. The only prerequisite for attending is an interest in Amateur
Radio. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other ham radio
operators in your area and learn from their experiences as well. Don't miss
this opportunity to expand your knowledge, make new friends, and celebrate
the world of Ham Radio. We can't wait to see you there!
Unable to
attend in person? Click here to Join the Meeting via Zoom.
Skywarn Recognition Day
Due to the government shutdown, scheduling of NWS Binghamton Skywarn Events
and Trainings are currently on hold due to a lapse in appropriations. In
person events and trainings will be scheduled when and if possible.

SKYWARN™ Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the
National Weather Service (NWS) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). It
celebrates the contributions that SKYWARN™ volunteers make to the NWS
mission, which is the protection of life and property. This annual event
highlights the vital role that amateur radio operators play in providing
critical weather information during severe weather events.
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Local Net Calendar
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Radio Net
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Schedule
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Frequencies
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Morning
Net
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Weekdays
& Saturday at 8:00 am
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146.865
-.600 MHz PL 146.2 Ingraham Hill
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BARA Net
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Wednesday
at 8:00 pm
except for Club Meeting Wednesdays
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BRAT Net
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Binghamton
Amateur Radio Technical Net
Sunday at 8:00 pm
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Early
Bird Net
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Weekdays
at 5:30 am
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146.730
-.600 MHz PL 100.0 Binghamton
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STAR Net
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Southern
Tier Amateur Radio Net
Daily at 6:30 pm
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Six Meter
Net
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Wednesdays
at 9:00 pm
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50.200 MHz
USB
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NYS RACES
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Sunday at
9:00 am
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3.993 or
7.281 MHz LSB
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STNYDV Net
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Southern
Tier Digital Voice Net
Sunday at 7:00 pm
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BM TG
31367, Wires-X 83721 & On Zoom
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Southern Tier Fusion Net
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Sunday at
8:00 pm
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Requires a
Yaesu C4FM Digital Radio
Click Here for Connection
Entry Points
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TTDTN
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Third
Tuesday of the Month
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Twin Tiers
Digital Training Net on Zoom
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Ham Radio Calendars
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Amateur Radio Licensing
Interested in obtaining or upgrading your Amateur
Radio License? Learn about the
different license classes, the requirements and how
to get started on your journey.
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American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
Monthly Newsletters from the ARRL, the national
association for amateur radio,
connecting hams around the United States with news,
information and resources.
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ARRL Membership for Students
Full-time students aged 21 years or younger have the
opportunity for a no-cost,
student membership. As an ARRL member, you will learn
skills and make connections
that may advance your education and future career
goals.
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BARA Brochures
The club has printed out about 100 BARA Brochures
to help spread the word about our organization.
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BARA Discord Server
Discord is a platform that lets you communicate
through voice and video calls, text messaging, and media sharing. You can
chat privately or join virtual communities called 'servers,' made up of
chat rooms and voice channels.
Join us on the BARA Discord Server and be part of the conversation.
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BARA Logbooks
We have a special offer for our members. Each member
can receive a FREE Logbook
as a gift from BARA. This offer is limited to one
logbook per member, not annually.
Families get one for each licensed member. See Steve,
KA2YRA to claim your copy.
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BARA Stickers
Show your support for BARA with our exclusive BARA
Stickers. Priced at just
$3.50 each or 3 for $10. See our Treasurer Joe
Ozvold, WB2SGW to get yours.
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Broome County Live Scanner
Feed
Stay connected to Broome County’s emergency
services with ScannerNerds.com.
Listen to live Motorola P25 transmissions from local
police, fire departments, and emergency services, delivering real-time,
accurate, and timely audio directly from
the first responders who protect our community.
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Callsign Light Displays
Discover these beautifully engraved and colorful
callsign light displays crafted by
our very own Bill Jakaitis, KB2SIN and other
fantastic ham radio-related gifts.
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New Ham Cheatsheet
Alongside the QRZ Jumpstart Program, Frank Heaney
W2FJH has developed a
“New Ham Cheatsheet.” This handy guide is
designed to help newly licensed hams
get started on their amateur radio journey with ease.
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New Ham Jumpstart Program
Are you a new ham who obtained your amateur radio
license within the last 6 months?
Apply now for the QRZ Jumpstart Program and receive a
fantastic welcome package.
You will get an Explorer QRZ-1 5W VHF/UHF handheld
transceiver, RT Systems software
and programming cable for just $17.99 (plus tax and
shipping).
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Seven 3 Dot Net
A social network for hams by hams started in the
Southern Tier of New York as a means for hams to spread the word about anything
and everything ham radio related without the need to locate a club or site
administrator.
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Swap and Shop
Here, you can buy, sell or trade ham radio equipment
with fellow enthusiasts.
Discover the latest listings and snag some fantastic
deals.
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