Welcome ...
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
Notices and Posts
TNG 7/10 – Field Day Show and Tell
de Mark, N8ME
TNG 7/3 – Anarchy
DARA Clubhouse, 6619 Bellefontaine Rd. Dayton, OH 45424.
The meeting begins at 7:00pm.
There is no presentation this week.
If anyone wants to or knows someone who might want to give a presentation at a future TNG, please let me know.
Next week we will have our Field Day show and tell. Bring your pictures and stories to share.
Everyone is invited!!!
73,
de Mark, N8ME
DARA Board of Directors
W8BI Clubhouse
Brief Hamvention History
The Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) is the organization behind the Dayton Hamvention, the world’s largest amateur radio convention. DARA was formed in the early 1950s and the first Hamvention, initially called the Southwestern Ohio Hamvention, was held in 1952.
The event has grown significantly since then, attracting thousands of attendees and becoming a major amateur radio gathering.
In 1964 the Hamvention moved to Hara Arena. Free buses and handicapped parking were added in 1969. In 1973 it became a 2 day event with Sundays added in 1974.
Today the Hamvention is located at the Greene County Exposition Center. Over 35,000 hams from around the world attending this year
About Us
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 45385.
Annual dues – $10 for full Licensed Amateur or unlicensed Associate membership.
- $3 for each additional household member.
- Membership runs July 1–June 30 each year.
Club Statistics – Around 700 members, about 525 licensed amateurs, 480 ARRL-affiliated.
Since its founding in 1929 through ARRL affiliation, DARA has fostered amateur radio use and education in southwest Ohio and globally. From a modest first Hamvention in a hotel to today’s massive annual gathering in Xenia.
DARA has consistently advanced radio technology, emergency readiness, and community engagement. Its volunteer-driven mission continues to benefit countless licensed amateurs and the broader region.
DARA Calendar & Events
DARA Calendar and list of other local events of interest to HAMs.
The Youth DX Adventure (YDXA) is an annual program that introduces young amateur radio operators (hams) to DXpeditioning—the practice of traveling to remote or rare locations to make radio contacts with other hams around the world. It’s a unique educational experience that combines radio operating, international friendship, and hands-on learning.
The Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX Adventure has two trips scheduled for 2025. One is from June 13-15 at the K3LR Multi/Multi Contest Station in Pennsylvania, operating as W-3-Y. The other is from July 17-22 at PJ2T in Curaçao, operating as PJ2Y, according to Youth DX Adventure.
ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 31,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.
Field Day is ham radio’s open house. Every June, more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.
Resources
Area Repeaters
Dayton Area Amateur Radio Clubs
- Bellbook Amateur Radio Club
- Germantown Amateur Radio Society
- Huber Heights Amateur Radio Club
- Mound Amateur Radio Club
- Xenia Weather Amateur Radio Net
- West Central Ohio Amateur Radio Association
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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 emegency 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.
- 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.
Cost: $0
Textbook: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual
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.
Cost: $0
Textbook: ARRL General Class License Manual
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.
Cost: $0
Textbook: ARRL Extra Class License Manual