Explore the Rich History and Diverse World of Ham Radio with the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club (W0CXX)

The ARRL search results have revealed the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club (W0CXX) – a unique and fascinating option for anyone in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, interested in ham radio.

A Club Steeped in History

Founded in 1983, the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club boasts a membership of around 100 and a rich history deeply connected to the legacy of Collins Radio. Their focus areas seem to encompass a wide range:

• Contest: Participating in contests can be a fun and educational way to test your skills against other stations.
• Digital Modes: Exploring digital communication techniques can be efficient and reliable for transmitting information.
• DX (potentially): Pushing the boundaries of communication by reaching stations in faraway locations.
• General Interest: They welcome people with all levels of experience and interests in ham radio.
• Public Service/Emergency: Likely contributing to community events and preparing for emergency situations.
• Repeaters: They manage repeaters to facilitate communication among members and with other stations in the area.
• VHF/UHF: They use Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands for local communication.

A Club for Everyone

The Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club offers a welcoming environment for all:

• Open to the Public: Their meetings are open to anyone interested in ham radio, not just employees or retirees of Collins Aerospace.
• School or Youth Group (potentially): They might welcome students interested in learning about ham radio. Confirmation is recommended.

Learning and Connecting Through Ham Radio

The Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club offers various resources to support your ham radio journey:

• Club Newsletter: They might publish a newsletter keeping members informed about upcoming activities and club news. (Confirmation needed)
• Entry-Level License Classes and General or Higher License Classes: They offer classes to help you obtain your Technician license (entry-level) and potentially even higher licenses.
• Hamfest (potentially): They might organize or participate in Hamfests, which are gatherings of ham radio enthusiasts featuring vendors, demonstrations, and contests.
• Mentor Program: Experienced members can guide newcomers on their ham radio journeys.
• Operating Club Stations: They have two stations (W0CXX and N0CXX) that licensed members can operate from, allowing for hands-on experience.

Connecting with the Club

Here's how to get involved with the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club:

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held quarterly on the third Tuesday in January, April, July, and October at 4:45 PM at the Collins Main Plant, Building 140 (cafeteria).
• Contact: Reach out to Gregg Lind KC0SKM, the Contact, by email at kc0skm@arrl.net.

A Vibrant Community of Enthusiasts

The Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club seems to be a friendly and inclusive group that celebrates the legacy of Collins Radio while actively engaging in various aspects of ham radio:

• On-Air Events: They host a weekly on-air event where members can connect with others.
• Museum Support: Members actively participate in the Collins Museum, potentially offering tours and showcasing their knowledge.
• Passion for Vintage Gear: Some members enjoy using and maintaining original Collins radio equipment.

Reaching Out for Confirmation

Since some information might not be entirely current (like confirmation on club newsletter, school/youth group involvement, and Hamfest participation), reaching out to the club for confirmation is recommended.

Overall, the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club could be a fantastic place to learn valuable skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the fascinating world of ham radio while being immersed in its rich history. With its diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere, the Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Club could be the perfect starting point for your ham radio journey in Cedar Rapids!