Amateur Radio Operating Class on Zoom

A free, weekly, 3-hour Amateur Radio Operating Class on Zoom will begin on Thursday April 2 and run through June 18. Sessions will be 2 to 3 hours long beginning at 6:30 PM EDT. Typically, two topics are covered per evening. The presenters will be folks very experienced in the various subjects.

A detailed syllabus will be published before the classes begin. Attend them all, or any that you like, but you must register for the classes. To receive registration information, contact Rol Anders, K3RA at roland.anders@comcast.net.

Subjects will include:

All About Operating–A general Introduction
Amateur Radio Organizations–Local to International
Ham Radio Operating Awards
DXing-History and Tips from the Experts
QSLing-How to get that needed confirmation for DXCC or WAS
VHF/UHF Weak Signal Work and “Roving”
Image Operating–Slow Scan and Fast Scan TV
Remote Station control over internet
Learning CW in the no-code era
Digital Modes–From RTTY to FT8 and beyond
Contesting–How to get started, tips for the beginner and intermediate contester
Logging Software–What’s available, how to use
Propagation–A general intro to HF Propagation with emphasis on the declining phase of the current solar cycle
Amateur Satellites–How to get started
Portable (backpacking) operation and POTA–Tips from an expert
Setting Up a Modern (or not so modern) HF Station
Lightning Protection and Grounding
Traffic Handling
Public Service, Emergency Communications

Rich Comer, K1RBC, Silent Key

The Waltham ARA has lost one of it “movers and shakers”. Rich Comer, K1RBC, passed away this morning after a prolonged illness. Rich became WARA Treasurer in 2016 and generously donated his time and skills to the club until very recently. He held the club together during a low point during and after the COVID pandemic even though he had moved to northern NH and joined a local club there. In addition to his Treasurer duties, Rich has been sending out meeting reminders, shared his pro Zoom account for WARA meetings, arranged holiday gatherings, and more. Rich will be greatly missed for all of his contributions to keeping WARA running, and for his kind approachable style. – Ned W1NED and Eliot W1MJ

Rich Comer, K1RBC, at the WARA Field Day on Prospect Hill in 2019

Meeting and Special Election: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 7:00 PM

We continue to meet online.

Zoom Meeting Info

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2695622043?pwd=WEJwSkhYYWtyZndjbitJQXFFNWY4dz09

Meeting ID: 269 562 2043

Passcode: 362611

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,2695622043#,,,,*362611# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,2695622043#,,,,*362611# US

Waltham ARA Meeting March 26, 2025

May 29, 2024 Meeting

We continue to meet online only. This has been working out well, especially considering the geographic diversity of our membership.

At the May meeting, our very own Geno W1GNO will give a presentation, Introduction to Doppler Radio Direction Finding (RDF). Christine N1AUP will give an update on the club’s plans for Field Day on the summit of Mt. Wachusett.

Zoom Meeting Info

Time: Feb 28, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2695622043?pwd=WEJwSkhYYWtyZndjbitJQXFFNWY4dz09&omn=89876257978

Meeting ID: 269 562 2043
Passcode: 362611

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,2695622043#,,,,*362611# US (Chicago)
+16469313860,,2695622043#,,,,*362611# US

Holiday Meet-Up 2023

The Waltham Amateur Radio Association held a Holiday Meetup on December 13. It was our first since 2019, and was also our first at Great Wall Restaurant in Bedford. Our old venue, Sichuan’s Garden in Waltham has closed.

It was nice seeing people in person that we normally only talk to over the club repeaters. In addition to nice food and conversation, we also had a raffle.

Holiday Meet-Up 2023

After a 3-year hiatus, we are excited to announce the Waltham Amateur Radio Association’s Holiday Meetup! It’s a chance to enjoy good food, great company, and share our passion for amateur radio.

Date: Wednesday , December 13, 2023
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Venue: Great Wall Restaurant, 609 Great Rd, Bedford, MA 01730

Cost: $32 per person (includes Chinese buffet and one ticket for the raffle)
(Cash bar available)

This is the perfect opportunity to meet other radio enthusiasts, swap stories, and maybe even win a prize in our raffle. Whether you’re a seasoned ham or new to the hobby, you’ll find a warm welcome.

Please RSVP to WARA Treasurer Rich Comer K1RBC by December 6th to help us plan accordingly.

The last WARA Holiday Party was on December 18, 2019. As it turns out, this was the last such event to be held at Sichuan’s Garden. The restaurant closed not long after the party. No, the closing was not our fault. (Photo by George Maier, W1LSB)