Friday, April 9th
Speaker: TBA
Topic: TBA


EBARC, ORCA, and ARCA sponsor joint ARRL VEC Amateur Radio Test Sessions quarterly (see location and dates below). The fee for 2010 remains at $15. Info at 510-846-1587 or 510-741-8227.

Media Room (Oakland Fire Dept.)
1605 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Oakland, CA 94612

All VE Sessions are held on Sundays at 9am local time on the following dates:

January 24th
April 25th
July 25th
October 24th

Bring a government issued photo ID, and either your Social Security Number or FCC Registration Number (FRN). For upgrades, bring your original license and a photocopy of it or a valid CSCE from a prior exam and a photocopy of it. Also bring a pen and pencil and calculator (optional).


ARCA, ORCA and EBARC also hold ham radio license classes. Dates, times, and locations for 2010 to be announced below.

Amateur Radio Technician Class
West Contra Costa Adult School
5626 Sutter St.
Richmond, California
Classes begin Tuesday, April 13, 2010
7 PM to 9 PM
Seven Tuesday evening sessions are planned.
Registration, $25, includes the textbook.

For more information contact Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF, or call the Alvarado Campus at (510) 559-2660


EBARC members coordinate radio communications for many special events throughout the year (charity walks and bike rides, Boy Scout events, etc.). As the schedule of events for 2010 becomes available they will be posted here. We'll be looking for volunteers to staff these events.

  • Sunday, May 02, 2010 Grizzly Peak Century 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM 15-20 Volunteers needed. Positions: Net Control, aid station communications and sag drivers / riders. To volunteer please contact Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF, or Texx Woodworth, KG6ATH

  • Saturday, June 05, 2010 Boy Scout Hike. 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 10-12 Volunteers needed. Positions: Net control, check point communications, and trail sweeps. To volunteer please contact Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF, or Texx Woodworth, KG6ATH

The Marin Amateur Radio Club will be providing radio coverage for the following events. Volunteers are needed, so again, please contact Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF, if you can provide support.

  • Saturday, April 10 - Ridge to Bridge - 5AM - 3 PM 7 Volunteers needed

  • Saturday, May 1 - Miwok 100K - 5AM - 10 PM 12 Volunteers needed

  • Saturday May 1 & Sunday May 2 - The Relay 3 PM - 6 AM 10 Volunteers needed (Contact Gary KG6JHS or Jerry WA6BXV)

  • Saturday, May 8 - The Human Race - 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM 6 Volunteers needed

  • Sunday, June 13 - The Dipsea - 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM 15 Volunteers Needed

  • Saturday, June 26 - The Double Dipsea - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8 Volunteers needed

  • Saturday, August 7 - Marin Century/ Mt. Tam DC Ride -4:30 AM - 11:00 PM 25 Volunteers needed

  • Saturday, August 21 - Holstein 100 Ride 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM 20 Volunteers needed

  • Sunday, September 26 - Peak Hike 8:00 AM - 5 PM 8 Volunteers needed

  • Saturday, October 02 - Dolphin Club Escape from Alcatraz 10 AM- 5PM 8 Volunteers needed

EBARC has participated in the annual ARRL Field Day event for many, many years (always held on the last full weekend in June). This is one of the biggest and most enjoyed club events of the year. While it's mainly about having a good time outdoors on the radio, Field Day is also an opportunity to give Ham Radio some exposure to the general public, practice emergency communications preparedness, and participate in a radio contest that's not quite as intense and competitive as most.

Field Day is also a lot of work (enjoyable as the tasks may be). We need people to transport and set up radio equipment and tents, keep everyone well-fed, provide security, interface with the public, and last but not least, get on the air and make as many contacts as you can.

It's also a great opportunity to hone your radio skills, whether it's setting up and tuning antennas or operating at break-neck contest speeds. And there are plenty of club members willing and able to help mentor these skills. But the main goal at an EBARC Field Day is fun for all, so please plan to participate!


The annual ARRL Pacific Division Convention, Pacificon, will be held on October 15 through October 17th 2010 at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel. For more information visit the Pacificon website.