Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society
Repeaters & Nets
Several local repeaters and nets are available for you
Become a Ham
Interested in amateur radio? What it takes to become a ham
GEARS Meetings
Monthly breakfasts, meetings, and more
What we do
GEARS is not just all about learning and volunteering though, sometimes we just kick back and have a little fun with a variety of excursions, friendly contests, BBQs, Radio Direction-Finding “Foxhunts”, Field Day, and social gatherings. Membership in GEARS is open to anyone with an interest in Amateur radio, with or without a ham radio license.
New Easier License Test Has Created Interest in Ham Radio
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made it a lot easier for anyone to get a ham radio license, by removing the traditional requirement to learn Morse code. While many hams still enjoy “pounding brass”, since the FCC eliminated the Morse code requirement in 2007, the new, easier multiple-choice license test has encouraged a lot more people of all ages to get an Amateur Radio license.
Discovering new technology
Exploring the art & science of radio
Many people enjoy electronic gadgets, but licensed Amateur Radio operators take it to the next level. We can explore, experiment, and invent new types of radios and electronic devices, with the full legal support and encouragement of the FCC.
Curious and Inventive hams are actively exploring and experimenting with every aspect of radio technology, including:
- Regional and Emergency communication (VHF/UHF bands)
- World-wide long-distance communication (HF or “Shortwave” bands)
- Satellite, International Space Station, and Earth-Moon-Earth (“Moon-bounce”)
- Digital communication modes, including: Packet (e.g., APRS)
- Advanced automatic mesh networks for high-speed multi-media
- These are just a few of the modern uses of Amateur Radio
When All else fails –
Ham radio gets through
In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, many Amateur Radio operators are prepared to provide emergency communications. Amateur Radio can be potential life-saver when other means of communication are not available. Even when there is no disaster, there are still many areas of Butte county that have no cell-phone coverage, but where ham radio works fine. So, yes, I can hear you now, but sometimes only through ham radio.
Let’s work together
We are committed to serving our communities, and welcome new opportunities to do so. We are available to–and frequently–provide radio communication support for community activities such as: bike races, charity walks, and other local and regional public events.
