Binghamton Amateur Radio Association – November 2025

 

BARA Rocks the New York QSO Party Once Again

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.

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:

 

80m

40m

20m

15m

10m

2m

1.25m

70 cm

Total

CW

149

164

0

0

25

0

0

0

338

Phone

0

122

44

23

33

10

2

5

239

 

25.8%

49.6%

7.6%

4.0%

10.1%

1.7%

0.3%

0.9%

577

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.


 

 

 

Calendar of Events

We are excited to share the following updates and reminders for upcoming events.


 

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.


 

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.

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.


 

 

Photos from Our Various Events

We are excited to share the following pictures from our various events.

 


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.


YouTube Channel Playlists

 

Club Meetings

Educational

Monthly Programs

News Stories

 

 

Local Net Calendar

Radio Net

Schedule

Frequencies

Morning Net

Weekdays & Saturday at 8:00 am

146.865 -.600 MHz PL 146.2 Ingraham Hill

BARA Net

Wednesday at 8:00 pm
except for Club Meeting Wednesdays

BRAT Net

Binghamton Amateur Radio Technical Net
Sunday at 8:00 pm

Early Bird Net

Weekdays at 5:30 am

146.730 -.600 MHz PL 100.0 Binghamton

STAR Net

Southern Tier Amateur Radio Net
Daily at 6:30 pm

Six Meter Net

Wednesdays at 9:00 pm

50.200 MHz USB

NYS RACES

Sunday at 9:00 am

3.993 or 7.281 MHz LSB

STNYDV Net

Southern Tier Digital Voice Net
Sunday at 7:00 pm

BM TG 31367, Wires-X 83721 & On Zoom

Southern  Tier Fusion  Net

Sunday at 8:00 pm

Requires a Yaesu C4FM Digital Radio
Click Here for Connection Entry Points

TTDTN

Third Tuesday of the Month

Twin Tiers Digital Training Net on Zoom

Ham Radio Calendars

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

BARA Brochures

The club has printed out about 100 BARA Brochures

to help spread the word about our organization.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

Rochester Amateur Radio Association Newsletter

The RaRa Rag is the monthly newsletter of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association.

 

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.

 

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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Business Directory Featured Local Organizations

All Star Sports NY

4 Delphine Street, Owego, NY 13827
allstarsportsny.com
All Star Sports NY is a family-owned supplier of athletic uniforms, fan apparel, trophies, plaques, and promotional products. They provide custom screen-printing and embroidery services tailored for schools, teams, and organizations.


Atrio Banquets & Catering

409 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY 13760
atriobanquets.com
Atrio offers a full-service event venue featuring catering and hospitality for weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, and special gatherings. The facility provides flexible space and professional planning support.


Battery World

1801 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850
bwsyr.com
Battery World supplies a wide selection of batteries for automotive, marine, mobility, and electronics applications. Services include free automotive battery testing and installation delivered by experienced specialists.


Doug’s Fish Fry ToGo Trailer

3638 NY Route 281, Cortland, NY 13045 (travels to scheduled locations)
dougsfishfry.com/events-calendar
The Doug’s Fish Fry ToGo Trailer brings fresh seafood meals—fish, shrimp, and scallops—to regional events, fundraisers, and community sites. The mobile service is a well-known extension of the popular restaurant brand.


Kathy, Dave & Eric’s Flavored Coffee Company

63–73 Griswold Street, Binghamton, NY 13904
kathydaveanderics.com
This specialty coffee roaster produces small-batch, flavored gourmet coffee using 100% Arabica beans sourced internationally. They offer custom roasting, distinctive flavor selections, and private-label coffee programs.


Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850
kopernik.org
Kopernik is a regional leader in astronomy and STEM education, featuring public viewing nights, hands-on science programming, school outreach, and access to advanced telescopes and learning facilities.