The ARRL search revealed the Island Park Ham Radio Club (no call sign provided) as a potential option. While new, their focus on public service and diverse activities make them intriguing. However, their website and meeting frequency might be limiting factors to consider.
Focus on Public Service and Learning
Founded in 2023, the Island Park Ham Radio Club boasts a membership of around 22. Their focus seems to be on public service and emergency communications, a rewarding way to utilize your ham radio skills.
Diverse Activities (to be confirmed)
The ARRL information suggests they might cater to a range of interests:
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Digital Modes: They might be open to exploring digital communication modes.
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General Interest: They seem to welcome hams with various interests.
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Public Service/Emergency: They are involved in public service activities.
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VHF/UHF: They might have a focus on VHF/UHF communication.
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License Classes: They offer entry-level and general or higher license classes, perfect for those seeking to get their ham radio license or upgrade their existing one.
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Mentorship: With a smaller membership, personalized mentorship might be readily available.
Limited Information and Meeting Schedule
- Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 PM at the Island Park Emergency Medical Services Bldg in Island Park, ID. This might be a less frequent schedule than some prefer.
- Contact: Reach out to Jeffrey A. Keay W7KEA, the president and contact person, using the provided phone numbers (daytime and evening: (208) 360-6967) or email (iphams83429@gmail.com) for any questions you might have. While a website (http://iphams.org) is listed, its functionality is unclear.
Making a Choice
The Island Park Ham Radio Club might be a great fit if:
- Location: You're in Island Park, Idaho and the monthly meeting schedule works for you.
- Focus: You're particularly interested in public service and emergency communications.
- Experience Level: You're comfortable with a smaller, newer club and a focus on public service.
Recommendation
Given their focus on public service, diverse activities (to be confirmed), and recent establishment, the Island Park Ham Radio Club seems like a viable option, especially if you value public service and being part of a growing club. However, the lack of a fully functional website and less frequent meetings are limitations to consider. Here's how to proceed:
- Contact the Club: Reach out to Jeffrey Keay using the provided contact information to confirm their activities, meeting details (if there are additional meetings), and the status of their website.
- Consider Other Options: Explore the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club (KE1RAN), Teton Valley Radio Amateur Club (W7RAC), and Boise County ARES Group (KI7KDB) to compare meeting schedules, activities, and size.
Ultimately, by contacting both clubs and considering your preferences, you can make an informed decision about which club best suits your needs.
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