Author: Penny Dickerson

November 2026 Newsletter

St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club (SCARC)

November Newsletter

As we move into November, there has been plenty of activity around the club, both in improving our facilities and supporting our amateur radio service mission.

Building Improvements

Several important infrastructure projects have recently been completed at the club building:

  • A new furnace and central air conditioning system was installed last month, providing improved comfort and reliability throughout the year.
  • A new coax entrance box has been completed, providing a cleaner and more organized entry point for feed lines into the building.
  • The tower rotor has been replaced, ensuring dependable antenna rotation capabilities for club operations and demonstrations.

Thank you to all the members who contributed their time and effort to these projects.

Emergency Communications Activities

The club’s EmComm meeting was held last week with a focus on go-kits and portable antennas. Members shared ideas and experiences on building effective emergency communications equipment packages and deploying antennas in the field.

In addition, SCARC members successfully participated in four ARES nets and drills since our last newsletter. These activities help maintain readiness and strengthen our ability to provide communications support when needed.

Annual Gathering and Membership Meeting

Don’t forget our annual club gathering this week!

📅 Thursday, November 12
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Moose Lodge, Waite Park

Highlights of the evening will include:

  • Election of the Director-at-Large
  • Annual committee reports
  • Presentation of annual awards
  • Door prizes and giveaways
  • Fellowship with fellow hams
  • Great food and good company

We encourage all members and their families to attend as we celebrate another successful year for SCARC and recognize the volunteers who make our club strong.

📢 Membership Reminder

2027 Membership Dues Now Being Accepted

Kay KB0CEF is now accepting SCARC membership dues for 2027.

Renewing early helps support the club’s programs, repeater operations, station maintenance, educational activities, and public service efforts throughout the coming year.

Please see Kay KB0CEF at the Annual Gathering or an upcoming club meeting to renew your membership and help keep SCARC strong.

Upcoming Activities

Monday Activities Night continues each week at the clubhouse beginning at 6:00 PM. Join fellow members for hands-on projects, station activities, equipment discussions, and plenty of amateur radio fellowship.

VE Testing

The next Volunteer Examiner (VE) Testing Session will be held:

📅 November 21
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 SCARC Clubhouse

If you know someone interested in earning their amateur radio license or upgrading to a higher class license, please encourage them to attend. Prospective applicants should bring the required identification and testing materials.

Looking Ahead

As winter approaches, it’s a great time to inspect antennas, prepare emergency equipment, and participate in club activities. Whether your interests are HF, VHF/UHF, digital modes, emergency communications, contesting, or simply learning more about amateur radio, SCARC has something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Gathering and seeing everyone at Activities Night and upcoming VE testing!

73,

Randy Welsand WJ0L

St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club (SCARC)
“Promoting Amateur Radio, Public Service, and Fellowship in Central Minnesota”

 

Amateur Radio License Test
Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 AM

The St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club will be hosting FREE Amateur Radio License Testing on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 10 AM at our Clubhouse administered via LAUREL VEC.

Pre-registration is preferred in order to reserve your spot. Walk-ins are permitted.

Click Here to Pre-register for the November 21, 2026 Test Session

Once you have completed pre-Registration, you will be contacted via phone for any additional information needed, and to confirm your spot.

2026 LAUREL TESTING DATES (dates subject to change)
Saturday, January 17, 10:00 AM
Saturday, February 28, 10:00 AM (at Hamfest location)
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 AM
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 AM
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM
Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM
Saturday, July 18, 10:00 AM
Saturday, August 15, 10:00 AM
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM
Saturday, November 21, 10:00 AM
Saturday, December 19, 10:00 AM


Now is the time to start studying, pass your License Test, and become a Ham! Or, maybe it’s time to upgrade to General or Extra class.

Where is the Clubhouse?

401 4th St North,
Waite Park, MN 56387

AED Device now at Clubhouse

Our club recently acquired an AED (automated external defibrillator) to benefit its members in emergency situations.  An AED is a portable electronic device that checks heart rhythms and delivers an electric shock to restart a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.

Air Force MARS

Club members are invited to join Air Force MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System)!

MARS is a remote force of radio operators who use their own stations to support the DoD (Department of Defense) mission.  Duties can be performed from home – no need to travel to a military base for training or operating!  Service is voluntary without compensation and individuals may resign at any time.

MARS provides HF (High Frequency) radio communications support to civil authorities as directed by (or coordinated with) the United States Northern Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.

For more info, go to www.afmars.com.