Explore the Rich History and Diverse Activities of the Santa Fe Trail ARC (KS0KS)!

Calling all ham radio enthusiasts in Olathe and Johnson County, Kansas! The Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club (SFTARC) welcomes you to join their friendly and inclusive community. Established in 1996, SFTARC offers a unique blend of historical appreciation, educational opportunities, and a variety of on-air activities for anyone curious about getting licensed, expanding their knowledge base, or connecting with fellow hams who share a passion for communication, community service, and preserving ham radio history.

A Legacy Rooted in Education and Innovation

The Santa Fe Trail ARC (SFTARC) boasts a rich history deeply connected to ham radio education:

• Ensor Park and Museum: The club description highlights their role as docents for the Ensor Park and Museum, showcasing a historic 1 KW transmitter used by Marshall Ensor to teach countless individuals about CW and electronics during the 1930s. This dedication to education aligns perfectly with SFTARC's commitment to fostering the next generation of ham radio operators.

A Club for Every Ham Radio Interest

The Santa Fe Trail ARC (SFTARC) caters to a wide variety of ham radio interests, ensuring there's something for everyone:

• General Interest: Whether you're a newcomer wanting to learn the basics or a seasoned ham looking to share your knowledge, SFTARC provides a welcoming space for casual conversation (ragchewing), learning from experienced members, and exploring various facets of amateur radio. They also offer Tech Night programs to further enhance your knowledge base.
• Contest: Put your operating skills to the test and inquire about participating in various ham radio contests alongside experienced club members.
• DX (Long Distance Communication): The club description mentions members who are active on HF bands, potentially indicating an interest in DXing. Consider contacting them to learn from their experiences and strategies.
• Digital Modes: Explore the exciting world of digital communication on various bands and experiment with fellow club members interested in these technologies.
• Repeaters: While the club description doesn't explicitly mention maintaining a repeater, you can always contact them to inquire about their repeater usage.
• VHF/UHF Communication: Learn about VHF/UHF communication, crucial for operating on designated frequencies for various ham radio activities and potentially connecting with fellow club members through repeaters.

Empowering Your Ham Radio Journey

The Santa Fe Trail ARC (SFTARC) offers a variety of resources to support your ham radio journey, from obtaining your license to expanding your knowledge:

• Entry-Level, General, or Extra License Classes: Offered on a three-year rotating basis, these classes are designed to help you understand the subject matter, not just pass the exam.
• Morse Code Classes: Offered periodically, these classes equip you with the skills necessary to operate CW (continuous wave).

Building Strong Ham Radio Connections (In-Person and Virtual)

The Santa Fe Trail ARC (SFTARC) fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, offering opportunities to connect with fellow ham radio enthusiasts in a flexible format:

• Hybrid Meetings: They hold meetings on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Perkins Restaurant in Gardner, KS, with the option to attend virtually via Zoom. This hybrid format allows for both in-person and online participation, ensuring inclusivity for members across locations. Earlybirds can gather for ragchewing as early as 6:30 AM, with the official meeting starting later.
• Weekly Net: While not explicitly mentioned, you can inquire about the possibility of a regular net on a specific frequency or repeater to connect with fellow members in real-time.
• Club Newsletter: Stay informed about club activities, announcements, and news through the club newsletter.

Join the Santa Fe Trail ARC (KS0KS)!

If you're passionate about ham radio, history, education, and live in Olathe or Johnson County, Kansas, the Santa Fe Trail ARC (SFTARC) welcomes you! Reach out to Martin F. Peters KE0PEZ (contact information provided) for details and upcoming meetings. Consider attending a hybrid meeting or contacting the club to learn more about their virtual options. Explore the diverse activities offered by SFTARC, discover how you can contribute to their legacy of education, and become part of this welcoming ham radio community.