The ARRL search has led you to the 3900 Club (W0FZO), a very different club compared to the others you've seen. Here's what makes them stand out:
Large Membership with a Unique Meeting Structure
Founded in 1971, the 3900 Club boasts a massive membership of over 1,100, making it one of the largest clubs you've encountered. They have a unique meeting format:
- On-the-Air Meetings: Their primary meetings take place on Sundays from 8-10 CST on the 3898 kHz frequency. This means you can participate using your ham radio from the comfort of your home.
Limited Services and Focus
The 3900 Club offers a smaller range of services compared to other clubs:
- Hamfest (potentially): They might organize or participate in Hamfests, gatherings featuring vendors, demonstrations, and contests. Confirmation recommended.
- License Test Sessions (potentially): They might hold sessions to help you obtain your ham radio license. Confirmation recommended.
- On-The-Air Bulletins: They likely provide announcements and updates on the air during their meetings.
A Welcoming Community for General Interest
Despite the online meeting format, the 3900 Club seems to foster a welcoming environment:
- General Interest: They seem to welcome people with all levels of experience and interests in ham radio.
- Annual Hamboree: They host an annual Hamboree in Sioux City, IA, which could be a great opportunity to meet fellow members face-to-face.
Reaching Out and Getting Involved
Here's how to connect with the 3900 Club:
- Meeting Time and Location: Sundays, 8-10 CST on the 3898 kHz frequency. They also hold an annual Hamboree in Sioux City, IA (details might be available on their website).
- Contact: Reach out to Tom C. Huber WD0BFO, a contact person who holds several officer positions, by phone at (402) 990-5135 (daytime or evening) or by email at wd0bfo@gmail.com.
- Website: Visit their website (http://www.3900CLUB.com) for more information.
Making a Choice
The 3900 Club offers a unique experience compared to traditional ham radio clubs. Consider the following when deciding if it's a good fit:
- Meeting Format: If you prefer in-person meetings and local activities, the 3900 Club might not be your ideal choice.
- Focus: If you're looking for a club with a specific focus (e.g., contesting, DXing), the 3900 Club might not cater to that as directly.
- Community: If you're comfortable with online interaction and enjoy a large, general-interest club, the 3900 Club could be a great option.
Overall, the 3900 Club provides a unique way to connect with fellow ham radio enthusiasts through on-the-air meetings. With its large membership and annual Hamboree, the 3900 Club could be a valuable resource for anyone interested in ham radio, particularly those comfortable with online interaction.
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