The ARRL search also revealed the All Idaho Contest Club (AI7ID) as an option. This club caters to a specific interest - contesting - and might be a great fit if that aligns with your goals. However, their website lacks information and their membership is smaller.
Focus on Contesting and Diverse Activities
Formed recently in 2024, the All Idaho Contest Club boasts a membership of around 13. Their focus seems to be on contesting, a competitive aspect of ham radio:
- Contest: They actively participate in contesting. This might be their primary activity.
- Digital Modes: They seem open to exploring digital communication modes, potentially used in contesting.
- DX: They might be interested in DXing (long-distance communication), sometimes a goal in contesting.
- VHF/UHF: They might use VHF/UHF for communication, but details are unclear.
The limited information on their website makes it difficult to assess the full scope of their activities.
Learning and Support
- General or Higher License Classes: They offer general or higher license classes, helpful for those seeking to upgrade their ham radio license.
- Mentorship: With a smaller membership, personalized mentorship might be readily available, but details are unclear.
Regular Meetings
- Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:30 AM at the Sunrise Family Restaurant, 2601 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, Idaho. This frequent schedule could be appealing if contesting is your primary interest.
Contact Information
- Contact: Reach out to Rod Truax AC7GL, the contact person, using the provided phone numbers (daytime and evening: (208) 697-6499) or email (ai7id@ac7gl.com) for any questions you might have.
Making a Choice
The All Idaho Contest Club might be a great fit if:
- Location: You're in Caldwell, Idaho and the frequent meeting schedule works for you.
- Focus: You're particularly interested in contesting and this is your primary goal in ham radio.
Recommendation
Given their recent formation and focus on contesting, the All Idaho Contest Club (AI7ID) could be a good option if you prioritize contesting. However, their website lacks information about other activities and the smaller membership size might be a consideration. Here's how to proceed:
- Contact the Club: Reach out to Rod Truax using the provided contact information to learn more about their specific activities beyond contesting, mentorship opportunities, and the overall club atmosphere.
- Consider Other Options: Weigh the All Idaho Contest Club against the American Legion Post 113 Amateur Radio Club (N7LGN), Snake River Amateur Radio Club (K7SI), and Elmore County Amateur Radio Club (K7ECI) based on location, meeting schedules, activity focus, and club atmosphere.
Ultimately, by contacting the clubs and considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which club best aligns with your interests.
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