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New DARA U Ham Radio License Classes (Click the menu above)
We are one of the most active and respected amateur radio organizations in the country
Our mission is simple: to educate, serve, and grow the amateur radio community while having fun doing it. Whether you’re chasing contacts around the globe, building your own rig, or lending a hand during a local emergency, you’ll find a welcome home with DARA.
Come join us — and be part of a tradition of innovation, service, and friendship that spans nearly a century.
To Join DARA (or Renew)
About Us
Officers and Directors
Who We Are
The Dayton Amateur Radio Association is an association of radio amateurs, organised for the promotion of interest in Amateur Radio communications and experimentation, for the establishment of networks to provide communication in the event of disasters or other emergencies, and for the advancement of the radio art and of the public welfare DARA is an incorporated association chartered under the laws of the state of Ohio, and is an exempt organization under the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Its affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, whose voting members are elected every year by the general membership.
DARA is the sponsor of the Dayton Hamvention ® and earns its operating revenue from this event. The funds are used for scholarships, education, disasters and public service events, the 10 monthly editions of the award winning “RF Carrier” newsletter, upkeep of the various repeaters and membership activities
Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure for 2025
The record-breaking Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure for 2025 is complete with 9,016 contacts. Everyone made it home safely, bug-bitten, sunburned, and exhausted! It was quite a successful trip with 4 youth, 2 parent/grandparent, and 2 trip leaders. What a great crew as the youth were very dedicated and spent a lot of time in the operator chair and giving each other breaks. At times, we had four radios on the air, but most of the time, only three. Continuous operations ran from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Monday, they operated from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. before going sightseeing. The plan was to operate from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. that evening, but we experienced a station issue caused us to go QRT. Luckily, it was easy for Uli, DL8OBQ, our station representative to fix but we needed to start packing (Images below).
When 40m was usable, we had the four radios on the air. Unfortunately, 10m was just a bunch of noise and no signals were heard. We did try it at the top of each hour from noon-4 p.m. All contacts have now been uploaded to LoTW, Club Log and QRZ logbooks.
While the contacts were great and the focus of the trip, there was a major and unique event. JoAnn Wagner, Ben and Agnes’ grandmother, was intrigued with Amateur Radio. She has attended Dayton Hamvention, other hamfests, and even ARRL headquarters witnessing the Wagner family operating W1AW. Agnes helped her find online training aides for the Technician License. She studied, asked a lot of questions, did flashcards, and took practice tests. A lot of studying was done and on Monday evening at 9 p.m. took the Technician test via a zoom online VE session. The result of her test was a passing 34 out of 35 questions! On Friday, July 25, she became a licensed HAM with a call sign of TBD. Congrats, JoAnn.
A huge thanks to Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA), DX Engineering, and CWOPS Foundation as our major contributors. We could not do this without the amateur community’s generosity.
For more information click on the adjacent logo, then click on the 2025 team page.
Events
DARA Calendar and list of other local events of interest to HAMs.
General Membership Meetings – The club meets at 7:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month, except for July and August.
The meeting in September occurs the Friday AFTER Labor Day.
The meetings are held at the Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairgrounds Rd. Xenia, OH 4538
Resources
Area Ham Radio Clubs
- Bellbrook Amateur Radio Club
- Germantown Amateur Radio Club
- Huber Heights Amateur Radio Club
- Mound Amateur Radio Club
- Xenia Weather Amateur Radio Net
- West Central Ohio Amateur Radio Association
Useful Links
com: A source for classified ads related to ham radio equipment.
CQ Amateur Radio and QST: Popular amateur radio magazines.
net:A resource website for amateur radio operators.
Remote Ham Radio: Allows licensed amateurs to operate remote radio stations.
Amateur Radio Newsline: Provides news and updates related to amateur radio.
com Ham Radio Links: Offers a concise introduction to the development of amateur radio with informative links.
K0BG: A website for mobile amateur radio operators.
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC):The national organization for Canadian hams.
Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation: Information on satellite communications in ham radio.
Hamvention: The largest annual gathering of ham radio operators in the US.
AREDN: Amateur radio emergency data network
Key Resources
American Radio Relay League (ARRL): The national organization for amateur radio operators in the US, offering resources, news, and information about the hobby.
EchoLink: A software-based system that allows licensed amateurs to communicate over the internet using streaming audio.
AllStarLink: A network of amateur radio repeaters, remote base stations, and hotspots accessible via VoIP.
WebSDR and OpenWebRX: These platforms allow users to listen to live amateur radio transmissions online using software-defined radio (SDR) technology.
DX Engineering: A source for amateur radio equipment.
R and L Electronics: A source for amateur radio equipment.
Ham Radio Outlet: A source for amateur radio equipment.
Winlink: A global radio email system that uses amateur radio frequencies
Licensing
Dayton Amateur Radio Classes
The Amateur Radio Education Program is a comprehensive and immersive learning experience designed to introduce and cultivate the skills necessary for operating amateur radio. The program offers a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, which aims to create a strong foundation in the world of amateur radio for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The program is led by a team of dedicated and experienced radio operators, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and nurturing the next generation of amateur radio enthusiasts.
The Technician License is the first and most accessible level in the Dayton Amateur Radio Association Education Program.
This course is designed to provide a solid introduction to the fundamental principles of amateur radio operation and regulations. Participants will learn about radio wave propagation, basic electronics, and essential operating procedures.
The Technician License also covers topics such as station setup, radio frequency (RF) safety, and operating etiquette. With this license, individuals gain access to various VHF and UHF bands, enabling local communication and entry-level participation in amateur radio activities, such as emergency communication services and on-air contests.
Class Cost: $0
Textbook: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual
Available on Amazon for Kindle or Spiral Bound
Testing: Free
*There is a one time $35 registration fee payable directly to the FCC upon passing the first level of testing.
The General License is the intermediate level in the Dayton Amateur Radio Association Education Program and builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the Technician License course. This level delves deeper into radio theory, communication techniques, and offers expanded access to HF bands, allowing for long-distance and international communication.
Participants will explore topics such as antenna design, advanced electronics, and propagation effects. The General License also includes a broader understanding of FCC regulations and international treaties governing amateur radio. With this license, individuals can engage in more advanced activities such as DXing (long-distance communication), participating in worldwide contests, and experimenting with digital modes.
Class Cost: $0
Textbook: ARRL General Class License Manual
Available on Amazon for Kindle or Spiral Bound
Testing: Free
The Amateur Extra License is the highest and most advanced level in the Dayton Amateur Radio Association Education Program. This course is designed for seasoned radio enthusiasts who aspire to attain extensive knowledge and expertise in radio electronics, antenna design, and advanced operating practices.
The Amateur Extra License curriculum covers advanced radio theory, complex circuitry, and signal processing concepts. Additionally, it delves into in-depth topics related to electromagnetic wave propagation, satellite communication, and radio astronomy.
The Amateur Extra License grants individuals full access to all amateur radio frequencies, providing the most comprehensive operating privileges available. With this level of expertise, amateur radio operators can contribute to cutting-edge research, mentor aspiring radio enthusiasts, and become influential members of the global amateur radio community.
Class Cost: $0
Textbook: ARRL Extra Class License Manual
Available on Amazon for Kindle or Spiral Bound
Testing Free