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 Previous: Surfin': Locally Listening to Remote Receivers | ![Next (later) Story](/images/sty-up.gif "FCC Fines Trucking Centers for Marketing Illegal "Amateur" Transceivers"){kind=small} Next: FCC Fines Trucking Centers for Marketing Illegal "Amateur" Transceivers |
By By Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
ARRL Affiliated Club/Mentor Program Manager
November 20, 2004
Homebrew night is just one on the many events that keep the Utah Amateur Radio Club (UARC) active. This year the annual "Homebrew Night" had many projects that were too large to bring to the meeting, so some members used PowerPoint to show off their handiwork. While the October meeting typically features "Homebrew Night," September's theme is "Junk Box Wars," where two-person teams compete to design and build a working electronic device described at the beginning of the contest. Participants have 35 minutes to design a circuit and to obtain parts from discarded electronic circuits.
Teams earn points for things like design, stability and accuracy. They're penalized each time they have to consult reference materials. While one team member is working the other is describing to the audience [all at the same time?] what they're doing. The result is an event that's both a competition and a lesson.
The UARC has the distinction of being the oldest radio club in Utah. It was formed in April 1927 and became an ARRL Affiliated Club in July of that year. The club call sign, W7SP, is a tribute to one of the club's early members, Leonard "Zim" Zimmerman. While may go back to the days when hams used to have to grind their own crystals, the club does a great job in staying current with modern technology. The membership is active in all modes of operation including amateur television.
 UARC members grilling at the annual Steak Fry |
Club President Glen Worthington, WA7X, says the UARC is very fortunate to have a large number of active hams in the area. A lot of the hams are active in ARES and other groups, and the UARC supports ARES activities as well as those of other area organizations.
"We try to focus on the diversity of ham radio and our program chairpersons do a good job of getting a wide variety of topics at our meetings," says Glen. Average attendance at monthly meetings is around 100 members or more unless the University of Utah Utes are playing football (the college team is ranked #7 and has a 9-0 record). The club holds its monthly meeting at the university campus in the Engineering and Mines Building, and each time adds about five new members to its rolls.
ARRL Field Day is a very well-attended event because the club's focus is on working with new operators and teaching operating skills rather than treating Field Day as a contest where the sheer number of contacts is the goal. Glen tells us, "We take the time to explain the whys and wherefore of setting up the station." He also notes that there is a lot of social activity, and members bring their families to the event.
UARC sees Amateur Radio as a fun and useful hobby and tries not to let the little things distract them from having fun.
Another special event that all club members mark on their
calendar is the UARC Annual Steak Fry. This is yet another way that the club
reinforces the social bonds among its members. There is nothing like food to
bring the membership together! With almost 400 members on the roster, there is
a lot of beef on the fire.
 ARRL is committed to support Affiliated Clubs in their efforts to mentor new hams. [Full Story] |
Although Glen tells us that most of recruiting results from word of mouth, the club's various and varied activities, its repeater system and a strong mentoring program combine to attract new hams and experienced operators as well. The UARC's very informative Web site includes a list of topics and "Elmers" available to help.
The club also tries to recognize its members at club
meeting and in the club newsletter The Microvolt.
Each month, it highlights a member and showcases the member's favorite activities.
This is another way to expose the new hams to the many facets of Amateur Radio.
This club truly believes that helping new hams will pay off by making them active
members of the club and of the community.
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