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 THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

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New York QSO Party
Saturday, October
17, 2026 • 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal,
NY
 

    Pictures from Last Year’s New York QSO Party


BARA Rocks the New York QSO Party Once Again

Click here for W2OW Contest Logbook that was submitted along with close to 500 other entries, and the ADI file has been sent to Allen KC2KLC, BARA QSL Manager.

Check out some of the photos from the day at 2024 NY QSO Party Pictures.

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. Plans include training on contesting and logging, as well as more practice on the club's rigs, in advance of various events. Looking forward to greater BARA team collaborations.

 

Thanks to all, and best 73, Steve KA2YRA On behalf of the BARA Activities Team


New York QSO Party
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
 

The New York QSO Party is coming up again, and it is one of the easiest ways to put both New York and Broome County on the map. Operators always turn out in force for this one, and this year we are adding a new twist with a dedicated 2-meter simplex station courtesy of Dennis KE2CIO and Ford AB2HS. Everyone can contribute, whether you are running HF, VHF, or just hopping on for a few quick contacts, and your individual score rolls right into the BARA club total. More details will follow as we get closer, but now’s a good time to mark your calendar and get ready for a fun day of on-air activity.  


New York QSO Party Pictures
October 2023 at Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal,
NY
 

Pictures from Last Year, we received First Place in the Multioperator, Low-Power, Multi-Single category.


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.

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. Plans include training on contesting and logging, as well as more practice on the club's rigs, in advance of various events. Here is to more great BARA team collaborations.



General Class Licensing Course
A free, weekly and live Amateur Radio General Class Licensing course is being offered by the Amateur Radio Club of the National Electronics Museum. The course will be held on Zoom, beginning on Thursday, October 30th and running through Thursday, January 8th, with nine sessions total (no classes on Thanksgiving or Christmas). Each session lasts three hours and begins at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. This long-standing program is ideal for those who already hold or are studying for their Amateur Radio Technician license and are ready to advance.

 





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 is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, November 12 at 12:30 pm Eastern time.




Doug's Fish Fry Fundraiser
Thursday, November 12, 2026 • 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tractor Supply Co., 154 Vestal Pkwy West, Vestal, NY

 

  

Support BARA at our Doug’s Fish Fry fundraiser by downloading a poster and help spread the word:   qsl.net/bara/dougs   


Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
• 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal,
NY

 

Interested in earning your amateur radio license or upgrading your existing privileges? BARA’s Volunteer Examiner (VE) team holds free license exam sessions one hour before our monthly member meetings. Walk-ins are welcome.
 

Before the session: If you do not already have an FCC Registration Number (FRN), create an FCC account at: apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/regEntityType
 

Bring your FRN number and a government-issued photo ID. Candidates upgrading an existing license should also bring a photocopy of their current license.
 

Although our exams are free, the FCC charges a $35 application fee for new licenses, renewals, and vanity call sign requests. This fee is paid directly to the FCC, not at the test session. After your application is processed, the FCC will email you instructions for submitting payment.
 

For more information:  larc-vec.org/displayteam.php?team=BARA




Monthly Club Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 • 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Kopernik Observatory, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
 

Join fellow amateur radio enthusiasts for BARA’s monthly club meeting! Whether you are an experienced operator, studying for your license, or simply curious about amateur radio, you will find a welcoming group ready to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Our meetings are an opportunity to learn from fellow hams, discuss radio-related interests, hear about club activities, and discover new ways to get involved. From making contacts on the air to exploring new technology and hands-on projects, there is always something to talk about and learn. Everyone is welcome, and you do not need to be a member to attend.
 

Unable to attend in person?  Click here to Join the Meeting via Zoom.   



Breakfast Get Together
Saturday, November 21, 2026 • 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Blue Dolphin Diner, 7670 NYS Route 434, Apalachin, NY
 

Join fellow BARA members for our monthly breakfast get-together at the Blue Dolphin Diner! Held on the third Saturday of each month, this informal gathering is a great opportunity to enjoy a good breakfast, catch up with friends, meet other local amateur radio operators, and talk about radio. There is no formal agenda, just good food, and friendly conversation. Breakfast begins around 9:00 am and continues informally until everyone has finished his or her meal and conversation.



Winter SKYWARN Training Session
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachskywarntraining
https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining
Michael F. Aswad Emergency Services Special Operations and Training Facility
Broome County OES Operations & Training Facility
3006 Wayne Street, Endwell, NY

 

Skywarn Training Sessions are designed to teach individuals how to accurately report severe weather conditions to the National Weather Service (NWS) ranging from snowfall measurements to severe weather (hail, wind, tornadoes, flooding). Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no age requirement and you do not need to have had prior training.

For more to register for this event visit   https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining


Skywarn Recognition Day
Friday, December 4, 2026,  7:00 PM to Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
National Weather Service Binghamton, 32 Dawes Drive, Johnson City, N
Y
 

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.
 

During SKYWARN™ Recognition Day, amateur radio operators, also known as "spotters," exchange contact information with as many National Weather Service-based stations as possible. These contacts, or QSOs, are made on various amateur radio bands, including 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 meters, as well as the 70-centimeter band. Operators use different modes such as SSB, FM, CW, RTTY, and AM to make these contacts. Repeater contacts are also permitted, allowing for a broader range of communication.
 

The primary objective of these radio contacts is to simulate the exchange of real-time weather information, which is crucial during actual severe weather events. Spotters provide reports on current weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, wind, storms, tornadoes, flooding, and fire. This information is invaluable to the NWS as it enhances their ability to issue timely and accurate weather warnings, ultimately helping to protect lives and property.
 

SKYWARN™ Recognition Day serves as a 24-hour event to recognize and celebrate the dedication of SKYWARN™ spotters across the nation. It also provides an opportunity for amateur radio operators to practice their communication skills and ensure they are prepared for real-world emergencies. Certificates of participation are often awarded to those who log their contacts, adding an element of fun and achievement to the event.  




YouTube Channel Playlists

 

 

BARA Activities

Monthly Meetings

Monthly Programs

 

 

Marconi Day

NE2B POTA CW

News Stories

 

 

Calendars

Analog and Digital Voice Nets

Ham Radio Calendars

Upcoming Local Events

 

Local Amateur Radio Nets

Radio Net

Schedule

Frequencies

Morning Net

Weekdays and Saturdays
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

Sunday at 8:00 pm
Radio Amateur Technical Net

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

North / South
Group

Thursdays at 7:00 pm

3.900 MHz LSB

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,
Google Meet and YouTube.

Southern  Tier Fusion  Net

Sundays and Wednesdays
at 8:00 pm

Requires a Yaesu C4FM Digital Radio
Click for Connection Entry Points

TTDTN

Third Tuesday of the Month

Twin Tiers Digital Training Net
on Zoom

 

Amateur Radio Licensing

Resources to help you prepare for an amateur radio license exam or upgrade to a higher license class, including study guides, practice materials, and links to licensing information.

 

ARRL Membership for Students

Full-time students age 21 or younger who meet the eligibility requirements can qualify for a free membership, while other young operators may qualify for reduced-cost membership.

 

BARA Brochures

Download a brochure to learn more about our organization and its activities. Share it with anyone interested in learning more about us.

 

BARA Discord Server

Join BARA's Discord community to communicate with fellow BARA members and amateur radio enthusiasts via text channels, voice conversations, and online discussions. Join us on Discord and be part of the conversation.

 

BARA Logbooks

Each member can receive a FREE Logbook as a gift from BARA. Families get one for each licensed member.
See our Vice President Steve KA2YRA to claim your copy.

 

BARA Stickers

Show your support for BARA with a club sticker.
Stickers are $3.50 each or three for $10.
Contact Treasurer Greg, KE2CAV, to purchase yours.

 

Broome County Live Scanner Feed

Stay connected to Broome County’s emergency services with ScannerNerds.com. Listen to live Motorola P25 transmissions delivering real-time audio directly from public service and first responders who protect our community.

 

Calendar of Upcoming Events

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

 

Callsign Light Displays

Browse engraved, illuminated Callsign light displays and other gifts that may appeal to amateur radio operators. Crafted by our very own Bill Jakaitis, KB2SIN, his shop offers a wide variety of designs and personalized items.

 

Contest Calendar

Find amateur radio contests scheduled around the world, with dates, operating times, contest rules, and links to the official rules as published by the contest sponsors.

 

Google Calendar Users

Add BARA's event calendar to your personal Google Calendar so club meetings, operating events, and other activities appear alongside your own appointments.

 

Ham Info Map

Explore an interactive map of amateur radio license holders in the United States. Search by Callsign, ZIP code, grid square, or street address to locate licensed operators geographically.

 

Ham Radio Dashboard

A fast, privacy-first dashboard offering HF band conditions, space weather, DX spots, POTA/SOTA activity, grey line maps, contest calendars, a Morse trainer and simple logging tools, all in your browser with no account required.

 

Hear Ham Repeater Directory

An easy-to-navigate repeater directory with frequency, offset, mode and system details. Works on desktop and mobile.

 

Local Ham Radio Information

Browse a collection of amateur radio links and reference material of interest for operators in the Southern Tier.

 

New Ham - Cheatsheet

Alongside the QRZ Jumpstart Program, Frank W2FJH has developed this handy guide designed to help newly licensed hams get started on their amateur radio journey with ease.

 

New Ham - QRZ 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.

 

Pictures from Our Various Events

Browse photographs from our various club activities, operating events, and other gatherings that display our members participating in the amateur radio hobby.

 

Radio Station World

Your gateway to discovering radio stations from every corner of the globe.

Whether you are exploring local broadcasters, streaming stations, or specialized radio services, this directory brings the world of radio together in one place.

 

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.

 

Swap and Shop

Browse a community marketplace for buying, selling, and trading amateur radio equipment with fellow enthusiasts. Discover the latest listings and snag some fantastic deals.

 

Yaesu System Fusion Reflectors

YSF Live is a community-driven directory that helps amateur radio operators find public Yaesu System Fusion reflectors that are online and showing recent activity.


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