Bloomington Amateur Radio Club Inc: A Community for Amateur Radio Enth

Bloomington Amateur Radio Club Inc (BARC) is a vibrant and inclusive community of amateur radio enthusiasts located in Bloomington, Indiana. As an ARRL Special Service Club affiliated since July 9, 1962, BARC has a rich history of promoting amateur radio activities, education, and public service within Monroe County and beyond.

Club Overview

Club Name: Bloomington Amateur Radio Club Inc
Call Sign: K9DIY
Affiliation: ARRL Special Service Club
Meeting Time: 1st Friday of every month at 7:00 PM
Meeting Place: First United Church, 2430 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401 (also accessible via Zoom; see website for link)
Website: www.bloomingtonradio.org
Contact Email: K9DIY@arrl.net

Club Activities and Specialties

BARC offers a wide range of activities catering to both new and experienced amateur radio operators:

Contesting: Participate in local and national radio contests to hone your operating skills.
Digital Modes: Explore modern communication modes like FT8, PSK31, and others.
DXing: Connect with amateur radio operators worldwide.
Public Service and Emergency Communications: Support community events and emergency services with reliable communication.
Repeaters: Access club-operated repeaters for extended communication range.
VHF/UHF Operations: Engage in Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency communications.

Educational Opportunities

BARC is committed to educating the next generation of amateur radio operators:

Entry-Level License Classes: Get started with classes that prepare you for your first amateur radio license.
General or Higher License Classes: Advance your skills with higher-level license preparation.
License Test Sessions: Regularly scheduled exams to help you obtain or upgrade your license.
Mentorship Programs: Experienced members provide guidance and support.
Hamfests: Participate in events featuring equipment sales, demonstrations, and networking.
On-The-Air Bulletins: Stay informed with regular updates and information broadcasts.
TVI/RFI Committee: Address technical issues related to television interference and radio frequency interference.

Community Engagement

BARC prides itself on being a community-oriented club:

Open Meetings: Welcoming all individuals interested in amateur radio.
Diverse Membership: Members from all walks of life and levels of experience.
Nets:
- Monday:
  - 7:30 PM - Monroe County ARES Net on 146.640 MHz (-), PL 136.5
  - 8:00 PM - South Central IN Simplex Net on 146.580 MHz
- Thursday:
  - 8:00 PM - Bloomington Amateur Radio Club Net on 146.640 MHz (-), PL 136.5

Club Leadership

President and Contact: Thomas B. Henderson, W9YW
Vice President: Ray T. Stevens, KB9LGS
Treasurer and Secretary: Terry A. Gulley, KD9LFT
Editor: Rosalie A. White, K1STO

Membership

Total Members: 65
Voting Members: 64
Licensed Amateur Members: 64
ARRL Members: 47

Why Join BARC?

Educational Resources: Access to classes and mentorship for all license levels.
Community Service: Opportunities to support local events and emergency services.
Networking: Connect with a diverse group of amateur radio enthusiasts.
Technical Advancement: Stay updated with the latest in radio technology and practices.
Friendly Environment: A welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and seasoned operators alike.

How to Join

Interested individuals are encouraged to attend a monthly meeting or reach out via the club's website for more information. Meetings are held both in-person and online to accommodate all participants.

Bloomington Amateur Radio Club Inc is more than just a club; it's a community dedicated to the exploration and enjoyment of amateur radio. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, BARC offers resources, support, and camaraderie to enhance your amateur radio journey.

For any inquiries, please contact: