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Don’t Forget What It’s All About !
Amateur Radio is different for everyone. And, that’s absolutely perfect! Sometimes we forget to remember that we are all as diverse as you could be when it comes to HOW we enjoy the hobby individually. Thankfully, amateur radio is a lifelong pursuit that accommodates all the different interests we all have along the way.
It’s really easy to forget that ham radio is supposed to be a bright spot in our life and not a reason for stress or strife. If we were being honest with ourselves we can all be a bit self-centered when it comes to sharing what we like about ham radio with others. Making room for all of the different aspects it can bring to the table can be extremely satisfying if we let it.
Facts, figures, clubs, events, fundraisers, and nets, all or in part, may be a small or large part of what attracts folks into the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of ham radio. For others it might be the smell of solder wafting through the shack from the workshop, or that feeling of accomplishment of dialing-in that perfect voltage or wattage on the latest project. Yet for others it might be catching that rare DX station in the middle of the night (or afternoon). Still, for others it just might be catching a cup of coffee with a like-minded bunch on the way to or from an event.
Permit me to be a bit personal. For me, none of this makes any sense if it doesn’t involve the “people” aspect. No matter how you look at it amateur radio involves people. People on the other end of the radio on the other side of town, the other side of the globe or right next door. Whether we consider ourselves introverted or outgoing in every way, there is room for all of us in the grand scheme of amateur radio. But, you just can’t get away from people.
Tonight was one of those nights for me! After tuning-in to one of our local VHF nets we heard all kinds of “people” checking-in from all over the place. The net controllers were doing a stellar job as their enthusiasm trickled through the airwaves. Guys we haven’t heard in awhile broke the usual monotony and set-off a spark. That catalyst led to several stations sharing that the International Space Station would be “flying” overhead in our northern sky just as the net was taking its last breath. Ham radio friends from all over town were chiming-in to note that they too had seen the station pass over our little town. The conversation led a bunch of us to slide on over to a favorite VHF simplex frequency. A completely spontaneous rag-chew of sorts followed. In a fun, light and respectful manner, each voice was heard and you could feel the delight of each station reporting on their day or whether or not they had witnessed the rare appearance of the space station gracing the sky.
As we’d all had very busy weeks, the last round of chatter involved sharing what our “tomorrow” was going to be like. Most hit the hay as soon as we hit the power switch. For others, tinkering in the shack til the wee hours of the morning was just getting started. Even as we all adjusted the power or tweaked our antennas during the night, I realized that I was happiest being around the “people” of amateur radio and the bond that is so special.
So, if you are of the curmudgeon-sort, and you feel as if the world is going to hell-in-a-handbasket, why not find some good “people” to surround yourself with, and remember what it’s all about. We may not be able to change the world overnight, as amateur radio operators, but we can certainly make a difference.
Don, N8IVJ, is the President of the Massillon Amateur Radio Club.
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Are you considering becoming a Ham Operator?
Becoming a Ham Operator has several advantages, such as:
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Emergency Communications: During natural disasters or emergencies, amateur radio operators can provide communication when traditional communication methods are down.
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Technology: It is a great way to get hands-on experience with radio and communication technology.
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Ham radio operators can join clubs or groups where they can meet like-minded people and participate in events and contests.
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Personal Development: It also builds skills such as communication, problem-solving, and technical expertise.
Amateur Radio is an exciting hobby that continues to grow in popularity. It provides opportunities for personal growth, education, and building relationships with people all over the world.
Join the Massillon Amateur Radio Club on the first Friday of each month for our monthly get together! And for more information about our club visit our Facebook page or email:
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MARC is recognized by the ARRL as a Special Service Club (SSC). You may be wondering, “What is an SSC, and how does this affect me?”
What is a Special Service Club?
A club that exists to go above and beyond for their communities and for Amateur Radio is what defines a Special Service Club (SSC). They are the leaders in their Amateur Radio communities who provide active training classes, publicity programs, and actively pursue technical projects and operating activities.
What about MARC?
As an ARRL Special Service Club, we have met our agreement to develop our skills in specified areas during the past two years in accordance with the guidelines in the ARRL SSC Active Club On-Line Primer.
We have worked closely with our Affiliated Club Coordinator throughout the year to develop these skills. We schedule regular, active training classes to help prospective hams study to pass their required FCC license testing. We have a recently improved publicity program to educate the community with regards to our function.
We have club members who actively pursue technical projects and operating activities. We sponsor and participate in important ARRL and hobby related events such as Field Day.
Bottom Line
How can MARC assist you in your ham radio journey? Let us know by sending us a note at:
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Here is our MARC Club newsletter, The FEEDBACK.
2026
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October |
2025
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
2024
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | Nov/December |
2022
| None | None | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | November | December |
2023
| Jan | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
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MARC Club Net Manager- Evan Rankl, KE8IDH
Stark County DMR Net - Held on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm on the W8NP repeaters located in Massillon and Alliance Talk Group 313989 Time slot 1.
Statewide DMR Net - Held on Monday evenings at 8:30 pm using the statewide Talk Group 3139.
Stark County ARES Net - Held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm on the N8ATZ repeater 147.120 MHz with a pl of 110.9
Alliance Amateur Radio Club Net - Held on Thursday evenings at 9 pm on the W8LKY Repeater 145.370 MHz with a pl of 110.9
West Stark Info Net - Held every Friday evening on the W8NP Repeater 147.180 MHz with a pl of 110.9 except the first Friday of the month which is club meeting night for the Massillon Amateur Radio Club.
Massillon 80 Meter CW Net - Held Sundays evenings at 8:00 pm on 3.5995 MHz
If you are outside the range of our MARC repeater you can listen to our signal on Broadcastify. To access the feed from the Club repeaters press HERE.