08/28/2026
Events for September 2026 for the WM Amateur Radio community
Check with Web or pages for updated information. Web and FB page links listed below.
**WEBMASTERS and FACEBOOK PAGE Administrators, KEEP YOUR WEB / FB PAGES UPDATED!**
This information is disseminated with a STANDARD DISCLAIMER.
Permission is granted to re-distribute these contents in whole or part.
I CANNOT PROMOTE EVENTS I DON’T KNOW ABOUT!
Email information to [email protected] by the 25th of the month
THESE SITES ARE STILL ACTIVE
IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO YET, WHAT IS STOPPING YOU?
**Go to this link: https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/
**And turns out GMRS license holders, including EVERYONE in the household
All the details are at this link https://send-a-letter.org/gmrs
**IT'S SO EASY A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT!**
Non-hams just fill out the form leaving the callsign field blank.
How about setting up a computer at your next club meeting?
IT'S EASY, DO IT! FREE THE ANTENNA.
RADIO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
• FCC §97.1(a):Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a VOLUNTARY NONCOMMERCIAL COMMUNICATION SERVICE, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
• DO YOUR PART, volunteer for at LEAST ONE EVENT this year. YOU CAN DO IT!
• THE LORD OF THE SPRINGS BICYCLE RACE, YANKEE SPRINGS, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12.
BARA is providing radio communications throughout the course.
We need volunteers at the aid station, located near the intersection of Gun Lake Rd. and Hastings Point Rd. The time to be at that station, set up and ready to operate is 10:30a.m. The estimated time to be finished is 2:30p.m..
If we fill that spot and still have additional volunteers, I'm sure the race director will have some other locations that could use radio volunteers.
The race start and finish lines are at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin at 1095 N. Briggs Rd. Middleville. That's were our net control station will be set up.
We plan to take the club trailer and generator out to the YMCA camp to set up around 7:00p.m. on Friday, the 11th. We still need a few extra hands to set things up. It should only take a couple of hours at the most. Please let me know if you can assist with that.
The race starts at 10:00a.m. and the cut off time for any riders still on the course is 2:15p.m.
Please contact me if you can help out or if you have any questions.
https://lordofthesprings.com/
Jay Hopewell KD8LNO 616-706-5608 [email protected]
• Gentex Park2Park 1/2 Marathon and 5k, Saturday, September 26th
HARC will be providing radio communications for the Park2Park 1/2 marathon and 5K (http://www.park2parkrace.com/), which benefits Neighbors Plus (http://www.neighborsplus.org/), a nonprofit Christian community development organization based on the North side of Holland. HARC has assisted with this event each year since 2015.
In 2025, with 20 operators using the 06 repeater (147.06+ PL 94.8Hz), we covered the aid stations and many navigation points along the entire course, along with three bicycle/motorcycle mobile operators.
We will arrive at the fairgrounds by 7:30am on race day and will be needed until around noon. I plan to make use of the 06 repeater again this year as it performs extremely well throughout the entire course (some locations require less than 1 watt TX power).
If you are interested in working this event or have any questions, please respond to this post or email me at [email protected]. This is a great first event for new operators; if you are uncomfortable working solo, please let me know and I'll pair you with a more experienced operator. If you would like to work the event but can't stay until noon, I should be able to assign you to a station at the beginning of the course so that you can depart early.
This event benefits a great organization and provides good exposure for HARC in the community. Thanks to HARC for supporting this event.
Thanks and 73, Todd W8YHF
• BARA will be providing radio communications for a new event in the Yankee Springs area. If you think you might be available to help out, mark your calendars for Saturday morning, October 10. It's a fund raising event for an organization in Orangeville -Orangeville Community Outreach. https://ocoforthepeople.org/
It'll be a short event-an 8.2 mile running race as well as a separate 3 mile walk. More details will be coming soon.
Jay Hopewell KD8LNO 616-706-5608 [email protected]
• NOARC Breakfast at Pine St Cafe, Saturdays, 7AM
401 Pine St, Ferrysburg, MI 49409
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Epx8wM67GrPS3gBG6
https://pinestreetcafemi.com/
https://w8cso.org/calendar/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/401316979888404/
TI: W8CSO 145.49-(94.8Hz)
• AND NOARC Breakfast at RUSS' RESTAURANT, Wednesdays at 7:30AM
1313 S Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI 49417
https://www.russrestaurants.com/
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ywiPP9iBEgsQy7r9
https://www.facebook.com/RussRestaurants/
https://w8cso.org/calendar/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/401316979888404/
TI: W8CSO 145.49-(94.8Hz)
• OPEN RADIO ROOMS
GRAND RAPIDS ARA W8DC: Nestled in the basement of the LifeEMS building we have a room for people to visit and explore the many facets of the hobby. We have many stations setup for many modes and frequencies. You could talk to people around the world using our beam and wire antennas.
We also meet and talk and catch up on how everyone is doing and we try to have cookies too!
https://w8dc.org/open-radio-room/
Meet every Wednesday evening from 5-8pm and every Sunday from 1-4pm. Hope to see you there!
LIFE-EMS Education Center (former Red Cross) Building, 1050 Fuller Ave NE, GR, between the I-196 Ford Fwy and Leonard St.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/1LqRpw7TKWw8XKFM7
LOWELL ARC K8LOW: Tuesdays 5:PM Until it ends" and
Sunday evenings, 5:00 PM to end. Click on the 'REPEATER' page at our website https://larc.club/ 4th Sunday, monthly NET 7PM 147.370+(100.0Hz) then moves to GMRS WSIJ327 462.625+(156.7 Hz).
PIZZA usually make an appearance on Tuesdays.
https://larc.club/ https://www.facebook.com/w8lrc
• YouTube channel, "Ham Radio Perspectives," which addresses amateur radio culture and history as well as technology.
Quin Schultze (K8QS) has posted many new videos to his Ham Radio Perspectives YouTube channel.
Visit Quin's channel at:
https://www.youtube.com//videos
Most recent "5 Ham Radio Myths"
https://youtu.be/wUlmggth6Y4?si=clysHSY29GtUIszW
• ** Women of Amateur Radio – This message is for you! ** The Auto State Young Ladies (TASYLs) invites you to join us on our TASYLs Net Thursday mornings at 9:00 am on 3940 kHz. We discuss shared interests, technical topics, and upcoming events and activities. ** What is TASYLs all about? The purpose of our group is to promote a friendly community among women who share the common bond of amateur radio. Membership is open to any YL, with or without a ham license. ** Want more information? Check out our page – TASYLs. **
https://www.facebook.com/groups/948995798014371/
• CW PRACTICE. Having settled on a good frequency, (146.480 simplex), I would like to invite you to join us Thursday evenings, 8PM for a little fun with FM Simplex. If you have an oscillator, we can practice some CW on 2m, or if you want to test your radio for Simplex operation, we got that too.
As many of you know, we are doing a Simplex net on Thursday nights at 8PM on 146.480. Many have expressed an interest in establishing a link of relays extending from west to east Michigan. The extremes of those stations extends from Muskegon to Jackson.
If any of you wish to join us as a link station, please let me know. Thanks!
73, Greg Conlon, KE8GC [email protected]
We also do a GMRS net following the Simplex Net on Thursdays at 8:00PM using Rick Dykstra's (K8RT) repeater: 462.550+5MHz(141.3Hz) channel RPT15
FYI, GMRS frequency list, simplex and repeater, at https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2022/11/list-of-gmrs-frequencies-and-channels.html
• NEWS BROADCASTS on the IRA Link System 147.16
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE Thursdays and Sundays at Noon
ARRL NEWS Tuesdays and Saturdays at Noon
Coverage map with remote frequencies: http://w8ira.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/largemap.jpg
• NEWS BROADCASTS on the Lowell System 145.27 WX8GRN
ARRL NEWS Saturdays 7AM & Sundays 7PM
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE Saturdays 7PM & Sundays 7AM
• NEWS BROADCASTS on the Ottawa County W8CSO System 145.49
ARRL NEWS Fridays 8PM
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE Saturdays 8PM
Other area repeaters carrying news, send me details to be included.
**MONTHLY EVENTS**
• Holland HAM IS FOR BREAKFAST!
Last Saturday of the month, August 29, Southside Inn, 192 W 35th St, Holland, 9:00am, Back Room - Reserved
Where the coffee is hot and I’m sure the conversation will be lively!
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/X8wwwZ4Q93pf9aVu7
https://southsideinnrestaurant.com/
http://www.k8daa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ K8DAA https://www.facebook.com/HollandAmateurRadioClubK8DAA K8DAA 147.06+(94.8Hz)
• ACARC Club POTA Outing, Saturday, August 29, start 10AM
The next club POTA event is coming up this weekend!
If you have a radio or antenna that you would like to try out, Bring it out and set it up! Or just come out and learn about Parks on the air.
The club will be operating from 10AM to noon but feel free to stay as long as you would like!
Kal-Haven Trail, Bloomingdale Trailhead, 207 W Kalamazoo St, Bloomingdale, MI 49026
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RpbYFqX7nrwQcsxx6
Seth KE8GOJ [email protected]
• Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council meeting, first Thursday, September 3, 7PM, at the MAARC Clubhouse, 2888 N Scenic Drive, N Muskegon, MI
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/vgdyPEzqsbzZDewg7
TI: W8ZHO 146.94-(94.8 Hz)
http://www.w8zho.com/main/page_home.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/424216613247162
• Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association (GRARA) NO regular September first Friday meeting, very brief meeting at Friday, September 11 hamfest setup. Also, second Friday VE exam, exams Saturday, September 12 at the hamfest.
Also note, beginning in October, meetings and exams will be at the American Red Cross, 3886 Broadmoor Ave SE (Hwy M-37).
https://w8dc.org/meetings/
http://www.w8dc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/GRARA.W8DC/ https://twitter.com/W8DC_GR W8DC 147.26+(94.8Hz)
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/1LqRpw7TKWw8XKFM7
• Lowell Amateur Radio Club K8LOW NOW ON THE SECOND TUESDAY monthly meting, September 8, 7:00 PM. K8LOW 147.37+(100Hz), GMRS repeater WSKS713 462.625+(156.7Hz)
Meetings and shack are now at Lowell City Airport, 730 Lincoln Lake Ave, Lowell MI 49331 LAST BUILDING #4.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZocdoEzVqdu6QPn7
https://larc.club/ https://www.facebook.com/w8lrc
Lowell Amateur Radio Club K8LOW Open shack
• Holland Amateur Radio Club Meeting ~ Second Tuesday, September 8, 7PM.
Herrick District Library, 300 S River Ave, Holland.
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdwsBo74AZcrVeej8
You don’t have to be a club member or a licensed operator to attend – all hams and everyone interested in amateur radio are welcome to join us!
http://www.k8daa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/
K8DAA 147.06+(94.8 Hz)
• Allegan County Amateur Radio Club (ACARC-AC8RC) meeting second Tuesday, September 8, 7PM, at the PLAINWELL PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING, 119 Island Ave, Plainwell, MI 49080
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yU8smfys45fokmEy6
https://ac8rc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ac8rc/ AC8RC/R 147.24+(94.8 Hz)
• Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance (MARA-W8USA) meeting second Tuesday, September 8, 7PM. Plainfield Fire Department Training Center, 5 Mile & Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids. ZOOM info contact Corey [email protected]
Map: http://w8usa.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Meetings.jpg
https://w8usa.org W8USA/R 145.23-(94.8Hz)
• Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, Inc. M.C.E.C.S. general meeting third Monday, September 14, 7PM, Muskegon County Complex, 1903 Marquette Avenue,
Suite J-101 (SW corner) Muskegon, MI 49442
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SDkFkScKXYzRK5Rd9
[email protected] http://mcecs.net/ https://www.facebook.com/MCECS K8WNJ 146.82-(94.8Hz)
• Allegan County Fair is coming up soon! September 11th-13th
Every year the Allegan County Amateur Radio Club operates a special event station in the Historical District the first 3 days of the fair.
Please fill out the survey below as soon as possible and select the days and times that you are available to come out so we can ensure that everyone gets tickets.
Any questions please email [email protected]
Thanks Seth KE8GOJ
EVENT SURVEY: https://us.list-manage.com/MRnopSXQe5l?e=dc5a227996&c2id=a87fdd9a08dddca5c942992c36253d0b
• GRAND RAPIDS AREA HAMFEST (GRAHamfest 2Ø26), Saturday, September 12
Location: Home School Building Gym, 5625 Burlingame SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Website: https://w8dc.org/grand-rapids-area-hamfest/
Flier:https://w8dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GRARA-Hamfest-2026-Full-Sheet.pdf
Sponsor: Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.26+(94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Tom Bosscher K8TB, 3148 Rosewood Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616-662-1080 Email: [email protected]
See attached PDF
• BARA BREAKFAST, Second Saturday of each month, September 12, 8:00 AM at Curley Cone 12850 M-179, Wayland MI 49348. Phone number 269-792-6560. The restaurant is located about 250 yards east of the intersection of M-179 and Patterson Road. Anyone with an interest in amateur radio is invited to join us for breakfast.
We try to provide an accurate number of breakfast attendees to the restaurant management by noon on the day before the breakfast. [email protected]
Map: https://g.page/CurleyCone?share
https://k8bmi.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/244810886954700/
K8BMI/R 442.725+(94.8Hz)
• VE EXAM - MUSKEGON, Second Saturday, September 12, 10AM at the MAARC Clubhouse.
MAARC Provides regular testing the Second Saturday of every month. License exams start at 10AM at the Club House, 2888 Scenic Drive. You also need an ID, FRN #, and $15 cash necessary for processing your license application. If Upgrading your license, please bring a copy of your current license.
MAP: http://mapq.st/2Gq86zV
http://www.w8zho.com/main/page_licensing.html W8ZHO/R 146.94-(94.8Hz)
Contact: [email protected]
• Get Your Kicks on the Airwaves! Route 66 "On The Air" Centennial Special Event, Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Start
Put on your favorite record, grab a malt, and hop in the driver’s seat!
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66, and MAARC is celebrating in true
1950s carhop style! Join us at the clubhouse for a special event and open shack operating session dedicated to hunting Route 66 special event stations across the country. Whether you're a seasoned HF operator or a brand-new Tech looking to get your feet wet, this event is designed for everyone to get hands-on radio time.
Location: MAARC Clubhouse — 2888 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI 49445
Who Can Attend: All MAARC members, guests, family, and anyone curious about amateur radio!
MAP: http://mapq.st/2Gq86zV
http://www.w8zho.com/main/page_home.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/424216613247162 W8ZHO/R 146.94-(94.8Hz)
• FALL HAM CAMP, Saturday 9/12 – Thursday 9/17/2026
Sponsor: Livingston Amateur Radio Klub W8LRK / LARK
Location: Bishop Lake Recreation Area, Campground - Lower
Visitors Welcome, come for all or part
Requires an annual DNR Passport or Michigan State Park entrance fee for
entry. Park reservation: https://tinyurl.com/38udv44j
To participate, just reserve a campsite and let Rich W8VS (below) know
which site you have.
Set up your radio equipment and have fun!
W**e Tasting: Monday afternoon 9/14 around 6:30 courtesy of Mark,KB8SW
and Bill WA8HEA.
Pancake breakfast: Tuesday 9/15 9:00AM courtesy of Mark K8MST and Daryl,
K8DCS: Pancakes, sausage, OJ, syrup and butter
Donations Welcome.
Interference is normally not a problem.
For more information, contact:
Rich Barker W8VS, Brighton 810-360-5747 call or text [email protected]
• Barry County ARA (BARA-K8BMI) meetings, third Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM informal “Gathering Time”. At the Barry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), in the basement of the E911 Central Dispatch building at 2600 Nashville Rd, Hastings (next to Thornapple Manor). Facing the building, go to the door on the left. Press the doorbell button near the door and pull the door open when you hear a click. Use 146.56 MHz simplex for talk-in if you need directions.
ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99628272112?pwd=amJhc2ZueHNhYW1EMmJEd3JsY25SZz09
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/jw8vkLmB7VGVqmr17
https://k8bmi.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/244810886954700/ K8BMI/R 442.725+(94.8 Hz)
• LUNCH BUNCH THIRD FRIDAY, September 18, CREEKSIDE COUNTY PARK, 1035 68th St St SE. The park is between Kalamazoo Ave SE just south of Hwy M6 exit 11, and Hwy US131 exit 76. Enter Creekside Park north off of 68th st, proceed to the covered pavilion. rest rooms available. Bring your own lunch or snack and libation (coffee, tea, pop, etc.) Brown bag it or take out/drive thru. Plenty of room to spread out under the open air covered pavilion shelter. 11:30AM or whenever you get there, stay until you’re ready to leave.
https://www.kentcountyparks.org/creekside/index.php
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mz7bRimVKpSzCXKf6
Lunch Bunch is open to all hams, aspiring hams, inquisitive non-hams, GMRS, CB, etc. We don't care, regardless of any, or no, club affiliation. It’s a B**r & Bull session, without the B**r. We’ll talk about radio and most any other subject that comes up.
Who sponsors this? NOBODY! It's just a gathering of hams, and there's always room for you. Heck, just show up!
Then again on October 16.
• BARA TRUNK SWAP, Saturday, September 19
Location: Five Pines Ministries
6597 Smith Rd, Berrien Center, MI 49102
Website: https://www.w8mai.org/index.php/club-information/bara-trunk-swap
Sponsor: Blossomland Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.82-(88.5 Hz)
Public Contact: Frank Lemanski AD8BU, 701 Alma St. Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: 269-362-4143 Email: [email protected]
• E.A.T. (Education And Training)
4th Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
For the event location see the Herrick District Library website https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
https://k8daa.groups.io/g/k8daa/viewevent?eventid=2906843
• NORTH OTTAWA ARC (NOARC-W8CSO) meeting Last Thursdays, September 24, 6:30PM, Ferrysburg City Hall, 17520 Ridge Ave, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FzvFkWhbK8WcHLBB8
https://w8cso.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/401316979888404/
TI: W8CSO 145.49-(94.8Hz)
• Holland HAM IS FOR BREAKFAST!
Last Saturday of the month, September 26, Southside Inn, 192 W 35th St, Holland, 9:00am, Back Room - Reserved
Where the coffee is hot and I’m sure the conversation will be lively!
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/X8wwwZ4Q93pf9aVu7
https://southsideinnrestaurant.com/
http://www.k8daa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ K8DAA https://www.facebook.com/HollandAmateurRadioClubK8DAA K8DAA 147.06+(94.8Hz)
• Structured Education Spotlight: HAM 101 ("What Now?") Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10 AM to 3 PM
Under our 100 Level course track, we’re getting everything primed for our upcoming HAM 101: What Now? session.
Passing the exam and getting your callsign is an exciting moment, but it’s easy to look at your radio afterward and think, "Okay... now what?" HAM 101 is designed specifically to bridge that gap.
We’ll cover:
Programming your first radio without losing your sanity
Basic repeater etiquette, tones, and offset fundamentals
How to find local nets and make your first on-air call with confidence
Mark Your Calendars, Registration: Send an email to [email protected]
If you know a newly licensed ham—or if you've had your ticket for a while but still feel a bit rusty—this is the exact place to jump in.
TI: W8ZHO 146.94-(94.8 Hz)
http://www.w8zho.com/main/page_home.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/424216613247162
• VE Testing, Allegan County ARC, 4th Saturday odd months, September 26, 9AM,
Martin Township Community Building on 998 Templeton Street, Martin 49070
Pre-Registration Link (Recommended, Walk-ins welcome):
https://hamstudy.org/sessions/AC8RC/all
https://www.ac8rc.org/license-testing/
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7C9gdu3FZiXmJsSq6
• KALAMAZOO HAMFEST AND VINTAGE ELECTRONIC EXPO, Saturday, October 3
Location: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Website: http://www.kalamazoohamfest.org/
Flier:https://w8vy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Flier2026.pdf
Sponsor: Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club, Southwest Michigan Amateur Radio Team, Vintage Electronics Expo
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: K8KZO 147.04+(94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Bryan Garfoot KC9RED, 6441 Angling Rd. Portage, MI 49024
Phone: 269-267-4429 Email: [email protected]
• VE TESTING - Riverside Radio Amateurs of Saranac. First Mondays (xSeptember, Labor Day), October 5, 6PM. Lowell City Airport, 730 Lincoln Lake Ave, Lowell MI 49331 LAST BUILDING. All exam sessions conducted by Laurel VEC are free.
The FCC does charge a $35 fee, payable to the FCC.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZocdoEzVqdu6QPn7
Preregistration is required.
https://www.wa8rra.org/upcoming-activities/ionia-county-races-ve-sessions/
http://wa8rra.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Riverside.Radio.Amateurs [email protected] 616-272-1341
• MUSKEGON COLOR TOUR HAMFEST, Saturday, October 17
Location: Fellowship Reformed Church, 4200 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Website: https://mcecs.net/old-site/Hamfest.htm
Sponsor: Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, Inc.
Flier:https://mcecs.net/hamfest/MuskegonColorTourHamfest2026.pdf
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.820- (94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Ron Delpieere KD9IPO, MCECS Emergency Management, 1903 Marquette Ave, Suite J-101, Muskegon, MI 49442
Email: [email protected] Phone 630-688-7723
• Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Holland Amateur Radio Club will be holding licensing exams for anyone wishing to obtain or upgrade their amateur radio license. The testing session will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Holland ARC has no charge for any testing; however, the FCC does charge a $35 application fee for new licenses. Upon passing your Technician exam, the FCC will email you instructions for payment. (This $35 fee also applies to license renewals and vanity call requests, but not upgrades.) No Morse code is required for any grade license.
The testing location is the Chick-Owa Sportman’s Club, located at 9279 E. Ottogan St., Holland, MI 49423. Again, the test session begins at 6:00 p.m.
For registration and more information, please go: http://tinyurl.com/holo-hiad-ve
What to bring with you: If available, bring a legal photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. If no legal photo ID is available, bring 2 pieces of legal ID. Anyone 18 years old or younger must have a parent or legal guardian present for the entire testing session. IMPORTANT… If you currently hold a ham radio license, bring the license and a copy of the license to the test session. (Copy will be sent in with the testing results.)
Note: This is a federal exam and the FCC requires you to have a Federal Registration Number (FRN.) You can obtain your FRN before the test by going to this website: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do. The FCC FRN process is simple and quite fast.
For further information on license testing, please email Bob Broene, K8RJB, at k8rjb[dot]ham[at]gmail.com.
• HAM IN A DAY, Saturday, December 12, Holland
This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to get their amateur radio technician license to study and take the exam all in one afternoon. Directed study begins at 1:00PM and continues till 6:00PM, when the test will be given.
The testing location is the Chick-Owa Sportsman’s Club located at 9279 E. Ottogan St., Holland, MI 49423. Again, the “Ham in a Day” study hall begins at 1:00 PM, and the test session begins at 6:00 PM.
For registration and more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/holo-hiad-ve. Cost for the Ham in a Day study session is $15. After you pass your Technician exam, the results will be sent to the FCC, who will in turn send you an email with instructions on how to pay their $35 application fee to receive your license. (The FCC charges $35 only for new licenses, renewals, and vanity call requests – not upgrades. The Holland Amateur Radio Club does not charge for any paperwork whatsoever.)
Note: This is a federal exam and the FCC requires you to have a Federal Registration Number (FRN.) You can obtain your FRN before the test by going to this website: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do . The FCC FRN process is simple and quite fast.
In addition to the Ham in a Day students, anyone can arrive at 6:00 and take the technician, general, or extra class exam. Please see the post regarding license testing for additional testing requirements.
MEETINGS/EVENTS/ORGANIZATIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE, CHECK AREA ORGANIZATIONS FOR UPDATES.
• Independent Repeater Association W8IRA http://w8ira.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764710107178775 [email protected] [email protected] W8IRA 147.16-(94.8 Hz) main site.
• Kent County Emergency Services Team (KCEST-KC8EST)
[email protected]
https://www.kcest.org/ https://www.facebook.com/KentCountySAR https://www.facebook.com/41KCEST K8EST 145.11-(94.8 Hz)
• Greenville Amateur Radio Club KD8RXD
WX8GRN/R 145.27-(94.8 Hz) former W8LRC/R [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/people/KD8RXD-Amateur-Radio-Repeater-Group/100064839393920/
• SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network-W8SAT)
Contact [email protected]
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/satern-program/
Dick Seeley N8NIF [email protected] David W Johnson KC8DJ [email protected]
• West Michigan Technical Group is a group of "Hams" that support the West Michigan Amateur Radio community with reliable and open communication systems.
https://www.wmtg.me/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/wm8tg
• West Michigan GMRS Union LLC
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394255534616125/
• WE8CHZ MICHIGAN RADIO AMATEURS TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY
MiRATS Our primary presence is on Discord, https://discord.gg/pFdGeqFt92, but we also exist on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557181891539, and the internet, https://we8chz.org/. You'll often find our members on the IRA Linked Repeater System, http://w8ira.org/.
I hope you'll take a look, and if you're interested in joining, let me know.
Rich "RoadieRich" Lovely [email protected] AE8RL, MiRATS Voting Member
NETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNET
The following chart created by Dave KF8QL, with updates.
Monday
10:00AM Coffee Time NET 146,94-(94.8Hz) W8ZHO/R
11:00AM MARA Daily Net 444.45+(94.8Hz) or C4FM W8USA/R
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
5:30pm After School Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
7:PM RRA Open Net 2nd & 4th 444.725+(94.8Hz) WA8RRA/R
7:30PM Holland ARC Net 147.06+(94.8Hz) K8DAA/R
8:30PM Michigan One DMR Net Mi talk group 3126 local Brandmeister DMR repeater or hotspot.
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
Tuesday
11:00AM MARA Daily Net 444.45+(94.8Hz) or C4FM W8USA/R
12:NOON OCEC GMRS Filmore NET 462.625+(88.5Hz) WSKG976
7:00PM (2nd) Kent County Skywarn training net. K8SN/R 442.175+(103.5Hz),
WRVE804/R Moline GMRS 462.600+(94.8Hz).
7:00PM GRARA Net 147.26+(94.8Hz) W8DC/R
7:00PM Calhoun Co ARES Net 147.12+(186.2Hz) No Net on 3rd Tuesday WX8BTL/R
7:00PM NOARC West Michigan Connect digital Fusion Net 443.775+(94.8Hz) & Wires X room 21335 W8CSO/R
7:30PM BARA 6M NET 50.140USB x3rd Tue K8BMI
8:00PM NOARC Analog Net 145.49-(94.8Hz) W8CSO/R
8:30PM WM 6 Meter SSB Net 50.140 USB
Wednesday
3:00AM Insomniac Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
11:00AM MARA Daily Net 444.45+(94.8Hz) or C4FM W8USA/R
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
7:00PM W8ZHO Ham Radio Hour 146.94-(94.8Hz) W8ZHO/R
7:00PM (2nd & 4th) Riverside Radio Amateurs Net 444.725+(94.8Hz) WA8RRA/R
7:30PM BARA C4FM NET 442.725+ (1st round), 146.62-(2nd round) K8BMI/R
8:00PM West MI Emergency Communication Net K8SN Moline 442.175+(103.5Hz), Lakeview 442.075+(103.5Hz), WX8GRN 145.27-(94.8Hz), W8MW 927.4875+(131.8Hz), W8CSO Grand Haven 145.49-(94.8Hz), K8DAA Holland 147.06+(94.8Hz), Echolink K8SN-R, AllStar node 29972 K8SN/R
8:00PM Allegan 10 Meter NET 28.380/USB
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
Thursday
9:00AM Auto State YLs TASLYs Net 3940KHz/LSB
11:00AM MARA Daily Net 444.45+(94.8Hz) or C4FM W8USA/R
6:30PM SATERN Net 442.175+(103.5Hz) K8SN/R
7:30PM MARA Net 145.23-(94.8Hz) x3rd Thursday W8USA/R
7:30PM MARA Net 145.23 simplex 3rd Thursday
7:30PM BARA Multi-Band Analog NET 146.56 (1st round), 146.62-(94.8Hz) (2nd round), 443.725+(94.8Hz) (3rd round). K8BMI/R
8:00PM Fun with simplex + CW practice. 146.48 + GMRS repeater
checks 462.600+(94.8Hz) WRVE804/R. (Greg KE8GC)
8:00PM MSU ARC NET linked to NOARC 145.49-(94.8Hz) W8CSO/R
8:00PM 6 Meter AM round table net 50.400/AM
Friday
11:00AM MARA Daily Net 444.45+(94.8Hz) or C4FM W8UAS/R
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
7:00PM TGIF Net Holland ARC 146.06-(94.8Hz) K8DAA/R FIRST FRIDAY ONLY
8:00PM GMRS Net 462.600+(94.8Hz) Moline WRVE804/R
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) W8IRA/R
Saturday
8:00AM MARA 6 Meter AM Net 50.400/AM
7:00PM W8CSO SSTV Net 145.49-(94.8Hz)
Sunday
4:00PM 10 Meter Ragchew Net 28.870/USB
7:00PM Lowell ARC 4th Monday 147.37+(100Hz) K8LOW
7:00PM AUXCOMM Allegan County 147.24+(94.8Hz) AC8RC/R
8:00PM WM Classic Six Meter AM Net 50.400/AM
8:00PM ACARC Informal Net 147.24+(94.8Hz) AC8RC/R
8:30PM Sidewinders Around MI Net 144.155/USB
SATERN DIGITAL NET Wednesday at 8pm on BM 31269 with FSN room 43641 or EchoLink K8SN-L. All Hams are welcome to this national Net.
For more info contact Bob at [email protected]
Regional or national nets carried on the KD8MEY 224.92-(94.8Hz) and/or N8JPR 223.92-(94.8Hz) repeater.
TNX to Greg KE8GC, Tom KB8TYJ, Steven KD8MEY, and Glenn KA8DUX for the 220 list information.
Daily: The Nightcrawlers 220 Net, 1-2am hosted by the WM9W group in IL. (KD8MEY, N8JPR)
Sunday: The 220 at 2:20 Net, 3:20PM- 4:20PM, hosted by the WM9W group in IL. - (KD8MEY, N8JPR)
Monday - Friday The Morning Brew Net 7-9AM (Except Holidays) hosted by East Coast Reflector Group. KD8MEY
Tuesday Night Tech Net 8-10PM hosted by East Coast Reflector Group. (KD8MEY)
Tuesday: Parker City IN 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the K5VOM group in IN. (N8JPR)
Thursday: DFW 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the MJARS group in TX. (KD8MEY, N8JPR)
Friday: Nationwide 220 Net, 7PM - (N8JPR)
Friday: Oklahoma 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the W5CUE group in OK. (KD8MEY, N8JPR)
Saturday: The Original 220 Preservation Net, 9PM, hosted by the W9MW group in IL. (KD8MEY, N8JPR)
Want your NET listed here? Send me the information!
List of WEST MICHIGAN HAM NETS
http://w8lrc.org/net_calendar/
AMATEUR RADIO PUBLIC SERVICE NETS throughout Michigan
https://mi-arpsc.org/net/
I CANNOT PROMOTE EVENTS I DON’T KNOW ABOUT!
If I missed something or there is something coming up of interest to the West Michigan Ham community, let me know by the 25th of the month,
email: [email protected] 73 Jack NY8D
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
UP COMING HAMFESTS
ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search
Check ARRL hamfest search and sponsor websites for any updates or cancellations before heading out
• GRAND RAPIDS AREA HAMFEST (GRAHamfest 2Ø26), Saturday, September 12
Location: Home School Building Gym, 5625 Burlingame SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Website: https://w8dc.org/grand-rapids-area-hamfest/
Flier:https://w8dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GRARA-Hamfest-2026-Full-Sheet.pdf
Sponsor: Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.26+ (94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Tom Bosscher K8TB, 3148 Rosewood Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616-662-1080 Email: [email protected]
See attached PDF
• BARA TRUNK SWAP, Saturday, September 19
Location: Five Pines Ministries
6597 Smith Rd. Berrien Center, MI 49102
Website: https://www.w8mai.org/index.php/club-information/bara-trunk-swap
Sponsor: Blossomland Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.82-(88.5 Hz)
Public Contact: Frank Lemanski AD8BU, 701 Alma St. Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: 269-362-4143 Email: [email protected]
• ADRIAN HAMFEST, Sunday, September 20
Location: Lenawee County Airport, 2651 W. Cadmus Rd, Adrian, MI 49221
Website: https://w8tqe.com/hamfest.htm
Flier:https://w8tqe.com/pdfs/2026%20Hamfest%20Flier.pdf
Sponsor: Adrian Amateur Radio Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 145.37-(85.4Hz)
Public Contact: Mark Hinkleman NU8Z, 108 E. Kilbuck St, Tecumseh, MI 49286
Phone: 517-423-5906 Email: [email protected]•
• KALAMAZOO HAMFEST AND VINTAGE ELECTRONIC EXPO, Saturday, October 3
Location: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Website: http://www.kalamazoohamfest.org/
Flier:https://w8vy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Flier2026.pdf
Sponsor: Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club, Southwest Michigan Amateur Radio Team, Vintage Electronics Expo
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: K8KZO 147.04+ (94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Bryan Garfoot KC9RED, 6441 Angling Rd. Portage, MI 49024
Phone: 269-267-4429 Email: [email protected]
• MUSKEGON COLOR TOUR HAMFEST, Saturday, October 17
Location: Fellowship Reformed Church, 4200 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Website: https://mcecs.net/old-site/Hamfest.htm
Sponsor: Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, Inc.
Flier:https://mcecs.net/hamfest/MuskegonColorTourHamfest2026.pdf
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.820- (94.8 Hz)
Public Contact: Ron Delpieere KD9IPO, MCECS Emergency Management, 1903 Marquette Ave, Suite J-101, Muskegon, MI 49442
Email: [email protected] Phone 630-688-7723
• FCARC WINTER HAMFEST, Saturday, December 5
Location: Delta American Legion Post 373 5939 OH-109, Delta, OH 43515
Website: https://k8bxq.org/hamfest
Flier:https://k8bxq.org/sites/k8bxq.org/files/HamFest/WINTER_HAMFEST_FLYER.pdf
Sponsor: Fulton County Amateur Radio Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.195+ (103 Hz)
Public Contact: Bryan Patterson KB8ELG, 8202 County Road 6-2 Delta, OH 43515
Phone: 419-822-5038 Email: [email protected]
• LOWELL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB HAMFEST, Saturday, March 20, 2027
Location: Lowell High School, 11700 Vergennes St, Lowell, MI 49331
Website: http://larc.club
Sponsor: Lowell Amateur Radio Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.370+ (100 Hz)
Public Contact: Casey Brown N8DDT, 13462 Crestwood Dr, Lowell, MI 49331
Phone: 616-819-9629 Email: [email protected]
This information is disseminated with a STANDARD DISCLAIMER.
I CANNOT PROMOTE EVENTS I DON’T KNOW ABOUT!
If I missed something or there is something coming up of interest to the West Michigan Ham community, let me know by the 25th of the month,
email: [email protected]
73 Jack NY8D
Send a message to learn more
