The ARRL search revealed the Voice Of Idaho ARC (W7VOI) as a promising option. Their large membership, diverse activities, public service focus, and recent information make them a strong contender.
Large and Active Club
Founded in 1995, the Voice Of Idaho ARC boasts a membership of around 300. Their recent annual report (July 2024) indicates an active club. Here's what they seem to offer:
- Public Service: They are involved in public service activities (details might be available on their website).
- Repeaters: They manage 5 mountain-top repeater sites, facilitating communication for members and others in the area.
- Mentorship: They offer an "Elmer" program, which is a term for mentorship programs that connect experienced hams with beginners.
- Diverse Activities: They have regular Technician classes, a monthly newsletter, license test sessions, on-the-air bulletins, an annual picnic, Field Day participation, equipment lending, and monthly meetings with presentations.
- General Interest: They cater to a wide range of ham radio interests.
- VHF/UHF: They seem to have a focus on VHF/UHF communication with their repeater network.
Hybrid Meetings and Website
- Meeting Time and Format: Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format (Zoom and in-person). Contact the club (board@voiceofidaho.org) for the Zoom meeting link.
- Website: Their website (http://www.voiceofidaho.org) might offer more details about their activities and specifics about the in-person meeting location.
Making a Choice
The Voice Of Idaho ARC might be a great fit if:
- Location: You're in Idaho and the hybrid meeting format (Zoom and in-person) works for you.
- Focus: You're interested in a variety of ham radio activities, including public service, repeaters, mentorship, diverse activities, and VHF/UHF communication.
- Experience Level: You're a beginner seeking Technician classes, mentorship, or a seasoned ham radio enthusiast seeking an active and diverse community.
Recommendation
Given the large and active membership, diverse offerings, public service focus, recent information, and website, the Voice Of Idaho ARC seems like an excellent option, especially if you're interested in VHF/UHF communication, mentorship, or attending Field Day. However, contacting the club for details about the in-person meeting location is recommended. You might also consider exploring other options in your area to compare based on your preferences and desired focus areas.
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