The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC), established in 1975, is a dynamic and community-focused amateur radio club based on Long Island, New York. Known for its commitment to public service and emergency communications, the club offers a welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned ham radio operators.
Key Activities and Services
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Public Service & Emergency Communication: The club has a proud history of supporting public service events and emergency situations. It has been honored for its efforts during crises such as Superstorm Sandy, 9/11, Flight 800, and the Pine Barrens wildfires. GSBARC also supports local events like the Suffolk County Marathon and the Babylon Village St. Patrick's Day Parade.
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Special Event Stations & Activations: GSBARC regularly operates special event stations, including Marconi Day in April, Armed Forces Day at the Air Power Museum, and International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend at the Fire Island Lighthouse. The club also participates in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations.
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Field Day: The club showcases its full setup during Field Day, with a trailer that includes 3 HF, VHF, and UHF stations, as well as Winlink and FT-8 capabilities. The equipment is powered by 400 amps of battery power, solar panels, and a 7,000-watt generator.
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Training & License Classes: The club offers free training for anyone interested in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator. It provides classes for entry-level, general, and higher-level licenses, along with mentoring and license test sessions.
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Winlink Gateway: GSBARC operates a Winlink gateway on the frequency 145.070, providing support for long-range messaging.
Club Features
- Specialties: Contesting, digital modes, DX (long-distance communication), public service, VHF/UHF, and school or youth group engagement.
- Club Newsletter: Keeps members informed with updates, events, and news from the world of amateur radio.
Club Statistics
- Total Members: 149
- Voting Members: 143
- Licensed Amateur Members: 143
- ARRL Members: 115
Club Officers
- President: John T. Melfi, W2HCB
- Vice President: Stuart P. Cohen, AF2SC
- Secretary: John P. McCue, W2JPM
- Treasurer: Robert A. Reinhart, W2YW
- Editor: Kevin J. Morgan, AB2ZI
Contact Information
- Contact: John T. Melfi, W2HCB
- Phone: (631) 358-5463
- Email: w2gcb@arrl.net
- Website: gsbarc.org
Summary
The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC) is a passionate group that not only excels in amateur radio activities but also takes pride in its contributions to public service. Whether it's emergency response, special event stations, or training new operators, GSBARC brings together individuals who are dedicated to fun, learning, and helping the community through the power of amateur radio.
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