Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club (KE1RAN): A Well-Established Club with Diverse Activities in Idaho Falls, Idaho

The ARRL search directed you to the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club (KE1RAN) as another promising option. Their website (http://www.erarc.org) offers a detailed description of the club, and their recent information, diverse activities, established presence, and clear contact details make them a strong contender.

Established Club with Clear Goals

Founded in 1967, the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club boasts a membership of around 60. Their website states their objectives as:

• Promoting interest in amateur radio
• Fostering cooperation among Idaho Falls area amateur radio operators
• Providing emergency/public service communication during disruptions
• Advancing amateur radio through research (individual and collective)
• Conducting programs and activities to increase general interest and well-being of amateur radio in the community

These goals highlight their commitment to amateur radio and the community.

Diverse Activities and Learning Opportunities

The club seems to cater to a wide range of interests:

• Digital Modes: They seem open to exploring digital communication modes.

• General Interest: They welcome hams with various interests.

• Public Service/Emergency: They are involved in public service activities, a rewarding way to use your ham radio skills.

• Repeaters: They manage repeaters, facilitating communication for members in the area.

• VHF/UHF: They seem to have a focus on VHF/UHF communication with their repeaters.

• License Classes: They offer entry-level and general or higher license classes, helpful for those seeking to get their ham radio license or upgrade their existing one.

• License Test Sessions: They might hold license test sessions, a convenient way to obtain your license.

• Mentorship: With a sizeable membership, the chances of finding a mentor are good.

Regular Meetings and Weekly Net

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the College of Eastern Idaho, Sessions Bldg 1 Room 111, 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID.
• Weekly Net: They also have a weekly net on Tuesdays at 9 PM on the 146.64 MHz repeater. This is a great opportunity to connect with other club members regularly.

Contact Information

• Contact: Reach out to Jeffery W. Tomchak KE1RAN, the president and contact person, using the email address (erarc.if@gmail.com) for any questions you might have.

Making a Choice

The Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club might be a great fit if:

• Location: You're in Idaho Falls, Idaho and the meeting schedule works for you.
• Focus: You're interested in a variety of ham radio activities, including public service, VHF/UHF communication, and learning opportunities.
• Experience Level: You're a beginner seeking licensing classes and mentorship or a seasoned ham radio enthusiast looking for a large and active club.

Recommendation

Given the recent information, diverse offerings, established presence, clear contact details, and commitment to public service, the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club seems like an excellent option, especially if you're interested in public service, VHF/UHF communication, and being part of a well-established club. Consider reaching out to them via email to learn more about their specific activities and confirm meeting details.